ST Andrews Aquarium has announced the arrival of some eight-legged additions to its growing aquarium family, by welcoming a group of spider crabs to the Fife visitor attraction.
The sea creatures, with shells that can grow to over 22cm wide, are now settling into their new enclosure alongside an array of wildlife at the aquarium including octopus, sharks, meerkats and penguins.
Says a spokesperson: “The Spiny Spider Crabs, also known as Maja Squinado, usually live in the North Sea, Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, and this group of fishy additions have travelled from a native marine centre in Surrey up to the Fife aquarium.
“Like all crabs, the spider crab sheds its exoskeleton, one of their only forms of protection, and they gather together to molt at the same time for safety in numbers – something the aquarium team are looking forward to observing with visitors.”
John Mace, manager of St Andrews Aquarium, commented: “We are really excited about welcoming the spider crabs to St Andrews Aquarium and are hoping that the new arrivals will like their new surroundings and not be too crabby after all the excitement of their journey!
“Our aquarium family is continuing to grow and we are now home to a wide range of sea life and other animals that have been big hits with our visitors. I am sure that our latest additions will fit right in.”
The new arrivals are from the same family as the Japanese Spider Crab, which has leg span of nearly four metres.
John has no plans to bring any larger scale-eight legged creatures to the aquarium.
He added: “I don’t think we’d have the room for one of the spider crabs’ larger cousins at the moment – they are a truly huge species, but never say never. Maybe if someone can find a tank large enough…”
To find out more about St Andrews Aquarium please visit www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk
ENDS
For further information please contact Fraser Kirk on 01738 658187 or f.kirk@volpa.co.uk
Notes to Editors
About St Andrews Aquarium
Situated at the dramatic north facing cliffs, St Andrews Aquarium is an attraction perfect for families and any animal lovers with their exciting and exotic array of animals.
There are many underwater creatures to go on adventures with including piranhas, octopus, pufferfish and lionfish as well as Harbour Seals and Humboldt Penguins.
There is also a gorgeous group of meerkats and range of reptiles and spiders.
Get up close and personal with daily interactive demonstrations which include penguin feeding, seal feeding, and reptile and spider handling sessions.
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