Blue lobster caught in Little Compton

LITTLE COMPTON, R.I.—A Rhode Island lobsterman caught a 7-year-old, one-and-a-quarter pound female blue lobster about eight miles south of Little Compton.

Gary Mataronas, Jr. said he caught the rare lobster while he was out on his regular run onboard his boat the “Terminator.“

Mataronas didn’t terminate this one. Instead he wants to find the lobster a new home.

One in every couple of million lobsters is blue. Usually they’re brownish green. Studies show lobsters turn blue because of a genetic defect where the lobster produces excess protein.

Mataronas’ father, Gary Mataronas, Sr., has been a lobsterman for 46 years and has never caught a blue one.

“I’m just happy for him. He’s the lucky one in the family,“ he said.

Gary Mataronas, Jr. said Mystic Aquarium has four blue lobsters already, so he’s put this one up on eBay.com.

Until a new suitable home is found, the lobster will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sakonnet Lobster.