1-in-50 million split-color lobster is spared the boiling pot and will soon go on display

(CNN) - An ultra-rare split-color lobster was spared the destiny of becoming someone’s dinner and instead will soon be on display at an aquarium.

It is a one-in-50-million chance that a lobster has a 50-50 split-color pattern, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Now the organization has one in its care after it was snagged by a fishing boat off Cape Cod.

It was donated by the Wellfleet Shellfish Company to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, where it will soon go on display.

According to WCVB, wildlife experts said split coloring can stem from unique genetic variations, pigment irregularities and, in rare cases, gynandromorphism, where a lobster can have both male and female characteristics.