Bubba, the 23-pound-lobster that got front-page treatment today after a seafood store spared its life, died at about 3 p.m. today at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

The cause of death is not yet known. Although he was offered food, the lobster did not eat since his transfer yesterday from Wholey's in the Strip District to the aquarium and, as is typical of seafood purveyors, he was given minimal food at the fishmarket.

A necropsy will be performed.

Bubba, estimated by some to be as old as 100 and by others to be as young as 40, was caught in the Atlantic Ocean and brought to Wholey's Thursday. An animal rights group had asked that the huge crustacean be taken back to the ocean.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.