What's in the box?

A large cardboard box covered in fragile stickers and ‘this way up’ arrows was carefully carried into the Oceanarium today.

The curious box, which had travelled from Japan, contained frozen water bottles, moss and the Oceanarium’s newest residents.

Two Japanese spider crabs, safely packed in their local newspaper, emerged from their peculiar mode of transport.

After their overseas voyage the crabs, each with a leg span of up to one metre, are settling into their new home in the Abyss at the award-winning seafront attraction. 

Oliver Buttling, group curator of the Oceanarium, Bournemouth, said: “It’s not unusual for creatures to arrive at the Oceanarium on a daily basis; however, this is one of the most unusual deliveries we have ever had. After arriving covered in moss and surrounded by frozen water bottles to keep them damp and cool, I am delighted to announce that the Japanese Spider Crabs are now busy exploring their specially adapted display.”