Watch CBS News

100 Million To 1: Maine Fisherman Catches Rare 'Ghost Lobster'

Follow KDKA-TVFacebook | Twitter

STONINGTON, Maine (AP) - A Maine fisherman says he caught a rare, nearly see-through "ghost lobster," then threw the crustacean back into the ocean because it was too small to keep.

Mike Billings hauled in the lobster Tuesday morning off the coast of Stonington. The Portland Press Herald reports the lobster's unique coloration is likely caused by a genetic condition that results in the partial loss of pigmentation.

Billings says he took pictures of the lobster, and then threw it back into the ocean.

According to Canada's Global News, the odds of landing an albino or "ghost" lobster are 100 million to 1.

This is not Billings' first encounter with odd lobsters, as he previously caught a rare calico lobster in 2014, the same year he caught one with one blue claw.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.