Bowie, the Half-Blue, Half-Intersex Lobster and TikTok Sensation
Jacob Knowles, a Maine lobsterman, introduces Bowie, a one-in-50-million lobster, to his 2.6M TikTok followers, captivating millions with its rare split color and gender. Named after David Bowie, it adds an extraordinary chapter to Knowles’ oceanic adventures.
By Beth Snider · November 30, 2023
Jacob Knowles, a fifth-generation Maine lobsterman and TikTok sensation, recently introduced the world to a crustacean phenomenon that has taken the internet by storm. In a video posted last Tuesday, Knowles enthusiastically showcased a lobster that defied the ordinary - a one-in-50-million creature split right down its back, with one half boasting a vibrant blue hue and the other adhering to the conventional brown or “normal” color. What makes this lobster truly exceptional is that its split is not just about color; it’s about gender. The blue half is male, and the brown side is female, making this lobster a rare and remarkable example of gynandromorphy.
Never seen one like it, never heard of one like it
Visibly excited in the viral footage, Knowles described the lobster as the “coolest” he had ever seen. He shared that the lobster was caught by a friend and generously handed over to him to share with the world. Reflecting on its uniqueness, Knowles marveled, “Never seen one like it, never heard of one like it,” suggesting that it might be “one of the rarest lobsters in the Gulf of Maine.”
Engaging his TikTok community in the decision-making process, Knowles pondered the fate of this extraordinary lobster. Should it be released back into the wild, or should it be kept in a spacious underwater cage as a “pet” throughout the winter months, with the potential for it to reproduce with itself? In a subsequent video, after receiving a unanimous decision from his followers, Knowles revealed that the lobster would be retained for further observation.
The decision-making process included a naming competition, with followers overwhelmingly choosing the name “Bowie” for the lobster. This moniker pays homage to the late music icon David Bowie, known for his iconic heterochromia, where his eyes were famously two different colors, and for creating the androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust.
Taking precautions for Bowie’s well-being, Knowles set up an underwater cage, recognizing the inherent risks of captivity but emphasizing the protection it would provide from predators. While cautioning that there’s a slight possibility Bowie might not survive, he welcomed inquiries from aquariums or science centers interested in adopting this 1-in-50-million marvel.
The half-blue, half-intersex lobster, has become a viral sensation, captivating millions and adding another extraordinary chapter to Knowles’ repertoire of sharing the wild and unusual from his oceanic adventures. He not only highlights the wonders of the natural world but also showcases the power of social media in bringing attention to rare and awe-inspiring phenomena. As Bowie continues to mesmerize the online community, Knowles remains committed to sharing the wild and weird finds from his life on the ocean, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the world of lobstering and marine exploration.