Some of the deep sea’s most mysterious creatures will be on display at a new exhibition at the Sea Life centre in Great Yarmouth.
The ‘Claws vs Jaws’ exhibition will showcase a diversity of carnivorous crustaceans and offer visitors the opportunity to compare their weaponry.
A Japanese Spider Crab is among the star attractions at the exhibition, and when fully grown, the animal is expected to have a leg span of up to five and a half metres - large enough to step over a small car.
Meanwhile, a jaw-dropping life-size model of an Anglerfish will give visitors the chance to closely examine the powerful mouths of these fang-toothed fish.
The exclusive new feature will open to the public tomorrow (Wednesday) and marketing coordinator, Maxine Culleton, said ‘Claws vs Jaws’ encapsulates all that is good about the centre.
She said: “It is exciting to launch a new and exclusive feature, giving families another great reason to dive in and experience the ocean and its creatures at Sea Life, Great Yarmouth.
“Claws vs Jaws captures all the best things about the centre - fun, education, interactive elements and amazing creatures.”
Among the many other creatures to be exhibited in the feature is the peacock mantis shrimp, or Odontodactylus scyllarus, which will bring as much colour as the name suggests; however, its pretty appearance belies its fearful reputation.
The shrimp is believed to have the fastest punch of any animal, reaching speeds of up to 50mph. The predators arm speed is such that the shrimp is capable of boiling the water around it.
Another deadly animal that will be representing ‘team jaws’ is the viperfish, which has long needle-like teeth which it uses to pull prey directly into its stomach.
Aside from the numerous new creatures in the exhibition, there will also be an abundance of educational materials detailing the diversity of crustaceans across the world’s ocean’s and revealing the importance of their role in keeping the seabed clean and eating decaying organic matter.
The tanks themselves will also be adorned with claws and jaws and it is hoped the exhibition will offer an immersive experience for visitors.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here