A RARE type of giant spiny lobster normally found in the Mediterranean has gone on display at the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks.
The massive crustacean, which can grow up to 60cm in length, was caught off Tiree on the west coast of Scotland. The lobster, who has been nicknamed Hamish by staff, was destined for a restaurant on the continent.
But he will now enjoy a well-earned retirement and live out his days in a giant rock pool display at the aquarium.
Blue Planet’s temperate marine aquarist, Joe Chapman, said: “They are aptly called spiny lobsters. The shell is covered in both large and small spines that face toward the front of the animal giving it a very rough appearance, it’s actually quite painful to pick it up without gloves.
“He’s a very impressive specimen, I am over six foot and he’s as big as my torso and potentially still has some growing to do.”
Although found extensively in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the spiny lobster is also attracted to the Gulf Stream currents off the coasts of western Scotland.
Unlike its cousin the lobster, the spiny lobster or crawfish does not have large claws. It is covered in a very spiny shell which is capable of inflicting nasty wounds if not handled carefully.
One of the more unusual characteristics of the crawfish is that they can make a creaking sound if alarmed by rubbing a ‘plectrum’ at the base of their antennae against a file-like section on their body.
It is the same way in which a violin string is bowed and is a unique type of sound production in the animal kingdom.
They are also famous for their mass autumnal migration in single file across the seabed, where they remain in contact with the crawfish in front by using their long antennae.
