04/04/2025
UPDATE: The lumpfish were able to cling to an early lead, but ultimately Seacoast Science Center celebrity, the cotton candy lobster took the victory! On Monday, 4/7, the lobster will go shell to shell with eastern box turtle, Raspberry, in the finals! Get ready to vote for this year's bracket winner!
In match 2 of the sea-foamy 4 round the legendary cotton candy lobster meets up with the lovable lumpfish! Will the lobster claw its way to the finals, or will the lumps stick around on this ? Comment here to determine who moves on to the finals–Monday, 4/7, to face eastern box turtle Raspberry.
At SSC, we have two cotton candy lobsters, both of which have garnered attention for their exceptionally rare shell coloration, occurring in roughly 1 out of 100 million. Haddie arrived at SSC in January 2022, while our second joined the Center last summer. In their natural habitat, these lobsters face greater vulnerability due to their striking shell colors, which hinder their ability to camouflage effectively. Here at the Center, they serve as ambassadors, educating visitors about American and the important insights scientists gain from these unusual color morphs.
Although the lumpfish may not be as well-known as its neighbor from the Gulf of Maine, it plays a vital role by offering valuable insights to aquaculture researchers. For over six years, UNH has been studying these fish, specifically focusing on their use in salmonid (salmon and trout farms) to combat parasites. By employing as "cleaner fish," farms can reduce parasites without pesticides, benefiting both farmed fish and wild species. Learn more about this research in SSC’s Dynamic Gulf of Maine exhibition.
Which resident will you vote for?!
Seacoast Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to marine science education, situated in Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH.
