Enter the Lair of the Giant Crab at SEA LIFE Manchester Picture: Jason Lock Further info: Kerry Thomas Marketing Manager | LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & SEA LIFE Manchester Tel: 0161 629 2041 | Mobile: 07568 103478 | Email: Kerry.Thomas@merlinentertainments.biz Full credit always required as stated in T&C's. PR and Press release use only, no further reproduction without prior permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

Crabby new residents at Sea Life Manchester have been affectionately named Sir Pinch a Lot  and Colin the Crab by local Manchester children.

After moving into their bespoke tank in the popular Barton Square attraction three weeks ago, the Giant Japanese Spider Crabs have really started to come out of their shells, inspiring a wave of suggestions as to what to name the humongous creatures.

Gabriella Mesquita (7) and Rae Kelly’s (8) imaginative suggestions of Sir Pinch a Lot and Colin the Crab were today announced as the Manchester public’s favourite choices. Gabriella, who attends Springhead Infant and Nursery School in Oldham and Rae, who attends Newhey Community Primary School in Rochdale, have both won a trip to Sea Life Manchester for their entire class, to see the fascinating new creatures with their very own eyes.

Whilst providing the very best care for the crabs, expert aquarists started to notice their differing personality traits bubble to the surface after just a few days. Head Curator, Alan Kwan, commented: “It’s really amazing to be able to observe the behaviour of these magnificent creatures, especially to learn just how different their personalities are. Colin seems to be the more chilled of the pair, with a preference for squid, whilst Sir Pinch a Lot is certainly a little cheekier, a lot more lively, and has acquired a taste for herring.”

The largest species of crab in the world, Colin the Crab and Sir Pinch a Lot have taken residence at Sea Life Manchester’s brand new feature, Lair of the Giant Crab, amongst 100 snipefish and 2 smaller Japanese Spider Crabs in a colossal new tank housing 90,000 litres of water. Neighbouring inhabitants in the other-worldly lair include 100 fluorescent moon jellyfish, housed in a brand new 360 degree crawl-through doughnut tank.

In a UK first for animal transportation, due to their colossal size, the spectacular new inhabitants were transported across the country in water, ensuring the very best creature care before settling into their permanent home here in Manchester.

Jenn McDonough, General Manager Manchester Cluster, Merlin Entertainments, said: “At 50 years old, Sir Pinch a Lot and Colin the Crab are our oldest sea creatures on-site, and could grow to up to 20 feet wide. We’ve designed a special tank here at Sea Life Manchester, a forever home, which will be big enough for their old age. The bespoke tank design replicates a deep sea Japanese cave where you’d normally find them in the wild.

“We think the public have chosen the new names perfectly and can’t wait for our residents to show even more of their personalities!”

‘Lair of the Giant Crab’ is included in the normal admissions price. Pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

For further news on the attractions or to book your tickets, please visit:

https://www.visitsealife.com/manchester and https://manchester.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk

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