The cold coastal waters of northern New England are home to some rare marine life. For example, Peaches, a rare peach-colored lobster found off the coast of Maine and donated to the University of New England for research.

A few weeks ago, a lobsterman caught a rare blue lobster off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is now being observed at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye.

Peaches is a rare, peach-colored lobster, found only one in 30 million, that arrived at the University of New England’s Girard Marine Science Center last June. “Students and faculty are studying the genetic basis of her rare coloration,” une.edu says.

Peaches was caught in Casco Bay by a fisherman from Scarborough, Maine, and then brought to the university. Keep in mind that lobsters are usually very dark brown and only turn red when cooked.

The University of Maine has received a $5,000 grant to further study the unique colors of these lobsters. Student Ruby Motulsky (senior year ’25) is working with Dr. Markus Frederich, professor of marine sciences at UNE. Ruby will document the research on the university’s social media.

With over 100 babies of different colors, the project’s developments are closely monitored by scientists and curious people.

The new studies include several other rare lobsters found by fishing vessels, including a half-brown, half-blue lobster named Current and a purple lobster named Fig, caught and donated by UNE graduate Aubrey Jane (’20).

READ MORE: Blue Lobster Photos and History

While some of the babies are blue, others are peach, and others are normal color, researchers want to wait and see if their color changes as they get older.

Currently, researchers do not know why lobsters vary in color, but UNE is committed to working with the local fishing industry to study these colorful products before they are released back into their natural habitat.

This is an exciting project for our region.