Patrons at a Pueblo Red Lobster were astonished when an extraordinarily rare orange lobster, now named 'Crush,' was accidentally delivered, sparking confusion and admiration before his relocation to Denver's Downtown Aquarium.

This shell-shocking arrival of a one-in-30-million orange lobster named 'Crush' left diners questioning their seafood knowledge and led to a quick save by the restaurant’s manager. After some patrons mistook the unique lobster for a pre-cooked entrée, 'Crush' was promptly packed up and sent to Denver’s Downtown Aquarium to join their 'Lurks' exhibit, but only after receiving a full checkup to ensure he was more than just a tasty anomaly.

The unexpected guest at the Pueblo Red Lobster quickly became the talk of the town, but not before some diners had to be convinced that the bright orange color was, in fact, due to a genetic mutation and not a result of boiling. This rare genetic quirk impacts the lobster's proteins, which can result in yellow, blue, and in Crush's case, orange shells. Given that orange lobsters are a one-in-30-million occurrence, it's no wonder the bright crustacean caused quite a stir.

'This has been a truly shocking day at Red Lobster,' said Kendra Kastendieck, the general manager who first noticed Crush's unusual hue. 'We were all taken aback; it’s not every day you see something like this. At first, we thought it was a joke. Then we realized it was a once-in-a-lifetime find.'

Named after the Denver Broncos' 'Orange Crush' defense, Crush the lobster is now something of a local celebrity. Guests who stumbled upon the scene asked if they could take pictures with the vibrant crustacean. Fortunately for Crush, the team quickly recognized his rarity and handled him with the utmost care.

Crush’s story follows a legacy of other rare orange lobster discoveries. In 2018, another orange lobster was found at a Massachusetts supermarket and was sent to a local aquarium. Just last year, a similar discovery was made at a Florida Red Lobster; that fortunate crustacean was transported to Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. These examples highlight the unusual yet delightful nature of such genetic phenomena.

After the initial surprise wore off, arrangements were made for Crush’s safe transport to the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, where he is destined to be the star of the 'Lurks' exhibit featuring other cold-water North Atlantic Ocean species. But before making his grand debut, Crush will undergo a thirty-day quarantine and a thorough veterinarian checkup. Ensuring his health is paramount, given the journey he’s had and the excitement surrounding his discovery. Stay tuned, as this orange celebrity is set to make quite the splash!

While orange lobsters like Crush are rare, the genetic mutation itself is a fascinating subject of study among marine biologists. The mutation affects how proteins in the lobster’s shell bond with carotenoids, the pigments responsible for their color. In typical scenarios, lobsters are a mix of blue, yellow, and red pigments, appearing as the common greenish-brown color. However, a specific mutation can tilt the balance, resulting in a monochromatic shell that appears vividly blue, yellow, or orange. It's as if these lobsters decided to skip blending in and go straight for couture fashion.

As Crush settles into his temporary quarters at the Downtown Aquarium, anticipation builds for his eventual move to the 'Lurks' exhibit. Fans and curious minds alike are eager to catch a glimpse of this crustacean wonder—no, he hasn't signed any autographs yet! The aquarium expects a boost in visitors, all keen to see one of nature’s rarest displays of genetic artistry.

In the meantime, the Pueblo Red Lobster and its staff remain bemused yet proud of their memorable brush with such an extraordinary maritime marvel. This serendipitous encounter has brought a touch of marine magic to the otherwise routine seafood joint, reminding everyone that, sometimes, the most fascinating creatures appear when you least expect them.