Biomes' New Lobster Is More Than 'One in a Million'

A group of elementary school students crowded around the black-light lit tank. In the corner, sits a black and yellow speckled lobster.

“Is that him?” asked one of the teachers.

“Yep, that’s Calvin,” said Mark Hall, owner of in North Kingstown.

Hall has been receiving calls for the past week inquiring about Biomes newest resident after major news outlets reported on the unique crustacean. Calvin, who came to Biomes on May 16, is more than just a one-in-a-million lobster, however. He’s a calico lobster – one of the rarest types of lobsters in the world. According to Maine-based Lobster Conservancy, calico lobsters are even rarer than blue lobsters (which are a one-in-a-million find). The mutation that causes the speckled shell of calico lobsters, on the other hand, is only one in 30 million.

But Calvin’s new home at Biomes – New England’s only private marine education facility – is no stranger to rare and unusual creatures. Among his new housemates is an octopus that can open jars, a blue lobster and even a .

“I’ve got a real soft spot for special needs animals,” said Hall.

Calvin’s road to the little aquarium nestled off Route 1 in South County is almost as unique as his spots. Caught off the coast of Maine, the lobster was shipped off to Jasper White’s Summer Shack restaurant in Cambridge, MA. Calvin was nearly surf and turf by the time Chef Jasper White noticed the lobster’s “striking coloration,” according to NPR. White called the New England Aquarium and arranged transportation for the lobster, which he fondly named “Calvin.”

Meanwhile in South County, fate was working its magic to place Calvin in his new home. According to Hall, he opportunity to house the calico critter arose after he was “roped into attending a black tie event” in Newport.

“I’d never even worn a tie in my life,” said Hall.

Once at the event, a benefit for juvenile diabetes research, an item in the silent auction caught his eye – a behind-the-scenes tour of the New England Aquarium with an emphasis on the facility’s lobster hatchery. As if pulled from a scene out of Seinfeld, Hall spent his night battling other eager parties for the chance to win the tour. The last minute before the auction closed, Hall, put in his final bid and name…and pocketed the pen to ensure his victory.

“I really just wanted to win it for my staff,” said Hall.

After nabbing the prize, Hall began to coordinate with the head of the aquarium’s lobster hatchery to set up the tour. During their correspondence, the man sent Hall a picture of a calico lobster, asking him if he wanted it. The week before Hall and his staff were set to tour the facility (and simultaneously pick up Calvin) and weeks after he agreed to house the lobster, Hall received a call from the New York Times inquiring about the lobster.”

That’s when Hall realized that his soon-to-be tenant was already a celebrity. Calvin’s story appeared in outlets such as the Washington Post, the Huffington Post and the Associated Press. Hall hopes that the publicity will help boost traffic to his aquarium. He already has classes of students who travel from all over the state, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even New York City to view his diverse collection of marine life.

is open to the public during the school year on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and during school vacation days. Starting July 1, Biomes will be open Monday through Friday and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Field trips, birthday parties and private events are scheduled by appointment.