News from Newquay
Claw Blimey!
Eddy the giant lobster can certainly pack a punch. The 11lb crustacean sports a truly awesome 18 inch crushing claw.
In fact his huge claw is so extraordinary that it almost certainly saved him from the pot.
He was donated to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay by John Brannan of Brannan Seafoods, Kingsbridge in
At more than three feet in length Eddy is a real giant of the deep but it's his monstrous crusher that has caused the biggest stir.
Blue Reef Curator Matt Slater said: "Eddy's a truly impressive specimen. He is in fantastic condition with a bright blue body and a red-coloured claw.
"It's by far the largest crusher that anyone here has ever seen. The claw is so large that he actually seems to have some difficulty lifting it up; particularly when he is out of the water.
"Initially we thought it may have grown so large as a response to his environment but some experts also believe that females favour males with disproportionately large crusher claws so it could be that Eddy's developed his huge appendage to attract the ladies," he added.
All lobsters are born with a cutting and a crushing claw. There is a 50:50 chance of developing a right- or left-crusher depending upon which claw is used more frequently.
The lobsters prey consists of crabs, which are grabbed by the legs using the cutter claw while the crusher claw breaks open the carapace.
Other prey include mussels, clams, sea urchins, starfish and marine worms. In good visibility lobsters can also catch fast moving prey such as shrimps and small fish.
Eddy, who could be up to 50 years old or more, will now enjoy a well earned retirement in a special display at the aquarium in Newquay.
