Not something you find very often. A female lobster that was bought by Ready Seafood Co found with 4 fully developed pincers. 3 of them being on the left side.
Rare 4-Pincer Lobster Stuns Marine Experts: A Genetic Marvel from Maine’s Waters
In the world of marine biology, rare genetic anomalies often spark fascination and scientific curiosity. But few discoveries are as visually striking as the female lobster recently acquired by Ready Seafood Co. in Portland, Maine. This extraordinary crustacean boasts four fully developed pincers, with three clustered on the left side – a biological anomaly so rare it’s been described as “once-in-a-billion” by marine experts.
The Discovery: A Lobster Like No Other
Fishermen and seafood processors along the Atlantic coast handle millions of lobsters annually, but this 12-inch female lobster stood out immediately. When employees at Ready Seafood Co. – a leader in sustainable seafood sourcing – inspected their catch, they discovered not two, but four distinct, functional claws. The lobster’s left side alone carried three pincers (two smaller claws under one dominant crusher claw), while its right side bore a single oversized cutter claw.
Illustration: The lobster’s unique quadruple pincer configuration.
Why This Mutation Is Unprecedented
Lobsters typically exhibit bilateral symmetry (one crusher claw and one cutter claw) due to their genetic blueprint. This female’s condition—triple claws on one side—likely stems from a mutation during embryonic development. Marine biologists propose two possible causes:
- Genetic Mutation: A disrupted gene regulation process might have triggered ectopic limb development, causing “mirrored” claw growth.
- Regeneration Error: If damaged during early growth, lobsters can regenerate claws. However, multi-claw regeneration is unheard of in adults.
Matt McAleney, a marine biologist and partner at Ready Seafood, explained:
“In 25 years handling lobsters daily, I’ve never seen anything like this. Most anomalies involve color variations or soft shells – not extra limbs with full functionality.”
The Rarity of Multi-Clawed Lobsters
While blue or calico lobsters (1 in 2 million) grab headlines for their color, limb mutations are exponentially rarer:
- Two-Clawed Lobsters: The standard anatomy for Homarus americanus.
- Tri-Pincer Lobsters: Estimated 1 in 100 million occurrence.
- Quad-Pincer Lobsters: Fewer than a dozen documented cases globally.
- Asymmetrical Tri-Claw Lobsters: This specimen’s 3:1 split may be unique in recorded history.
Could Extra Claws Affect Survival?
Surprisingly, this lobster reached adulthood despite her asymmetry. While extra claws could theoretically slow movement or increase vulnerability, her intact shell suggested she thrived in Maine’s cold coastal waters.
Ready Seafood’s Response: Conservation Over Curiosity
Rather than selling or displaying the lobster, Ready Seafood partnered with the Maine Department of Marine Resources to safely return her to deeper waters.
“Curiosity didn’t outweigh conservation,” said John Ready, the company’s founder. “She’s a breeding female carrying eggs—keeping her ecosystem role intact was our priority.”
The Science Behind Lobster Claw Development
Lobster claws develop based on complex genetic triggers. Key facts:
- Claw Dominance: Lobsters favor one side as a “crusher” (for shells) and the other as a “cutter” (for tearing prey).
- Genetic Switches: Mutations in genes like Distal-less—which governs limb formation—can lead to duplicated structures.
- Evolutionary Advantage? While extra claws might seem beneficial, lobsters rely on streamlined bodies for burrowing and evasion.
Final Thoughts: A Reminder of Ocean Mysteries
This 4-pincer lobster serves as a powerful reminder: despite advanced marine science, the ocean continues to yield living puzzles that challenge our understanding. For researchers and seafood professionals alike, such discoveries highlight the delicate balance between human industry and nature’s endless capacity for surprise.
Fun Fact: While no confirmed cases of cloned lobsters exist, biologists note self-cloning (parthenogenesis) is theoretically possible in crustaceans. Could this female’s genetics hold clues? Only time—and continued study—will reveal the answer.
Meta Description: Ready Seafood Co. discovers a female lobster with four pincers—three on the left side—in a genetic marvel defying 1-in-a-billion odds. Explore the science behind this marine oddity.
Keywords: rare lobster, quadruple pincer lobster, genetic mutation lobster, Ready Seafood Co, Maine lobster anomaly, marine biology oddities, lobster claw development.
For updates on marine discoveries and sustainable seafood, follow Ready Seafood Co.’s research partnerships on social media or at www.readyseafood.com.
