In a fascinating discovery off the coast of Ireland, a truly extraordinary creature has emerged from the depths of the ocean—a giant spider-shaped crab with a wingspan spanning an astonishing six feet. This remarkable find was made by Kerry fisherman Gary Brosnan, who stumbled upon the monstrous marine creature tangled in his fishing nets.

The colossal crab, a species that typically inhabits the profound depths of the Porcupine Trough, is a rare spectacle indeed. Transported aboard the boat Culín, this massive specimen defies conventional expectations of marine life. Nicknamed “Arachnid” due to its uncanny resemblance to a giant spider, this creature has found its new home in a cold-water tank at Dingle Oceanworld.

Arachnid’s discovery marks an incredibly rare event, as it is believed to be only the tenth of its species ever found in Irish fishing nets. Dingle Oceanworld director Keʋin Flannery expressed his excitement about housing this unique specimen, emphasizing the creature’s distinct appearance: “It is still there. It will be kept in the aquarium. It is the only one in the country. They are very rare. It’s all arms. We’ve nicknamed it Arachnid because it looks a lot like a spider.”

One of the most intriguing features of this species is its ability to camouflage itself with seaweed, thanks to an unusual trait of having weeds attached to its two hind legs. This adaptation allows it to blend seamlessly with its underwater surroundings.

According to Keʋin Flannery, who is a leading marine biologist, encountering a creature of this size in Irish waters is exceptionally rare. He noted that such creatures, with dimensions comparable to that of a human, are not commonly found off the coast of Ireland. Flannery explained, “Seeing something of this size is extremely unusual. I’ve only seen a few of them in my life. We don’t have deep-sea artisanal fisheries like they have in the Deadliest Catch.”

While the closure of public facilities may limit access to viewing Arachnid for the time being, its extraordinary appearance and immense six-foot leg span have already captured the imagination of those who have encountered it. Keʋin Flannery humorously noted that the crab’s extensive leg span is ideal for adhering to social distancing guidelines, and it would certainly give anyone second thoughts about getting too close!

In summary, the discovery of Arachnid, the colossal spider-shaped crab, is a testament to the incredible biodiversity that inhabits our oceans. This extraordinary find offers a glimpse into the enigmatic world beneath the waves and serves as a reminder of the countless mysteries that await discovery in the deep sea.