Crab phenomenon caught on camera right off Cornwall beach

Thousands of spider crabs have gathered on England’s south coast in a spectacular natural phenomenon.

The rarely witnessed event was filmed in knee-deep water just meters from a popular Falmouth beach at low tide.

The show, which takes place annually between late summer and early fall, involves crabs rallying together to protect themselves from predators.

This is because they are extremely vulnerable during the molting process as they shed their exoskeletons and grow a new outer shell.

The mass gathering of male crabs was filmed by Matt Slater, a marine conservation officer for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

“I’ve seen spider crabs on every dive and snorkel I’ve done in the last four years, but I’ve never seen a group this big,” he said.

“Looking down at the mass of crabs crashing to the sea floor was a truly incredible experience.

“Our seas are full of surprises – most locals would have no idea that one of the world’s great gatherings of wildlife is happening not too far from where they sleep.

“This shows how important our Cornish seas are and why we all need to look after them better.”

The formidable-looking spiny spider crab is a common species in Cornish waters and is known for its long spiny legs and claws, which can stretch up to a metre.

Populations appear to have thrived in recent years as a direct result of climate change and warming sea temperatures.

Mr Slater added: “We hope this mass sighting is a sign that spider crab populations are healthy. We would like to know if more aggregations like this form around the coast or if this is just one.”

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