Giant Crab Could Claw its Way to National Record
Wednesday, 7th July, 2010 05:10:47 PM
Source: http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/cornwall_news/8258464.Giant_crab_c...
A Newquay fisherman has landed a real monster of the deep in his pots in the shape of a giant spiny spider crab that may be a contender for a new national record.
The huge crustacean, which weighs more than three kilograms and has a metre-wide claw span, was caught at a depth of around 30 metres by fisherman Jake Gilbert.
Jake’s boat the Sweet As was fishing off Towan Head, near Newquay when he hauled up the crab. It was so large that it could not fit into one of his pots and was instead discovered perched on top of it as it was brought to the surface.
He contacted the town’s Blue Reef Aquarium for advice. Curator Matt Slater said: “Jake contacted us straight away as he knew it was something out of the ordinary.
“He’s confident it’s the biggest pot caught spider crab locally and also thinks it may even be a new national record.”
During the summer spider crabs migrate in large numbers from deeper to shallower inshore waters where they congregate in large mounds of up to 50,000 individuals to mate.
Matt believes the fact the crab was caught relatively close to shore may mean that he was on his way to mate when he was caught.
“Spider crabs are extremely abundant at this time of year and the fishermen are catching tonnes. Most of them go to France and Spain where the crab is considered a real delicacy.
“This particular specimen was saved from the pot due to his incredible size and he’s now enjoying his retirement in our cliff display here at the aquarium alongside rays, dogfish and Couch’s bream,” he added.
Found in south and west Britain and Ireland, the spiny spider crab is thought to be extending its range further north in Scotland.
It is an effective hunter and can use its claws to prise open mussels. Other favourites include starfish and small fish although it will scavenge for virtually anything it can eat.
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