Rare Two-Tone Intersex Lobster “Bowie” Takes TikTok by Storm

In a captivating TikTok video, Maine lobster fisherman Jacob Knowles introduced the world to a rare and astonishing crustacean, half-blue and half-normal, with dual reproductive organs, making it intersex

A Unique Discovery in the Gulf of Maine

Dubbed “Bowie” by TikTok users after the late David Bowie, known for his distinctive eyes of different colors and androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust, the lobster has become a sensation on social media.Knowles, who boasts 2.6 million TikTok followers, showcased the 1-in-50 million lobster, emphasizing its extraordinary characteristics—half-blue on the back and half-normal, with both male and female reproductive organs. Acquired from a friend who caught it, Bowie is considered one of the rarest lobsters found in the Gulf of Maine, according to Knowles.

TikTok Decision-Making and Naming Contest

Engaging his TikTok audience, Knowles sought opinions on whether to release Bowie or keep it as a “pet” in an underwater cage during the winter months. Followers overwhelmingly voted to retain the lobster and observe its potential ability to reproduce with itself. In a subsequent video, Bowie’s followers named the unique lobster after David Bowie.

Potential Challenges and Safety Measures

While acknowledging a slight risk to Bowie’s well-being, Knowles assured followers that the lobster would be safer from predators inside the cage. He also invited aquariums or science centers interested in adopting Bowie to contact him, highlighting the potential educational value of the rare specimen.

Bowie’s journey, documented on TikTok, not only showcases the fascination with rare marine discoveries but also highlights the power of social media in engaging audiences and promoting awareness of biodiversity and marine life conservation.