Giant Tasmanian Crab Headed To The United Kingdom

A giant crab fished out of the waters near Australia has found a new home at an aquarium in the United Kingdom, according to the Birmingham Mail. The creature, which has been lovingly dubbed Russell, was rescued at the last second from becoming an extremely large meal for someone with an undying passion for sea food.

While venturing through the area, a Sea Life scout noticed the giant crab and two of its friends hanging out at an Australian market. After striking a deal with the fishermen who nabbed the creatures, the scout had the trio shipped to their new home in the UK. Sitting in an aquarium all day surely beats ending up on some hungry individual’s plate.

“We thought it was time Russell was unveiled to an admiring public,” a Sea Life spokesperson explained. “Happily we launched a new feature exhibition ‘Claws’ earlier this year, and felt this was the perfect stage for him.”

According to ITV News, Russell, who is named after Gladiator star Russell Crowe, has yet to reach his full potential. When his growth spurts have come to an end, the giant Tasmanian crab could weight in at around 30 pounds. Presently, one of the creature’s claws is as long as a small child’s arm. When both are completely stretched out, they span nearly three feet.

Although this crab is certainly big, the Tasmanian crabs aren’t the largest species on the planet. That honor goes to the Japanese spider crab, which can grow to upwards of 40 pounds. When this particular crab reaches adulthood, its leg span can reach nearly 12 feet. Somewhere, a Hollywood writer is putting together a creature feature of epic proportions.

According to Bit Rebels, an extremely large spider crab was captured off the coast of Great Britain. In 2010, the enormous 10-foot-long creature was housed at the National Sea Life Center in Birmingham, which is currently the home of Russell, the giant Tasmanian crab. You can check out a picture of the big guy by heading over to the Birmingham Mail.