Look Out for Crabzilla

Legoland California could have been the set of a 1950s horror movie as a gigantic Japanese spider crab hovered over buildings in Miniland New York. This alien-like creature was on its way to Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium’s new “Claws” exhibit opening on March 1, 2012. 

Miniland USA replicates nine different cities completely made out of Lego brick on a 1:20 scale. “Often times guest enjoying Miniland USA comment on how fun it would be to step inside the cities and pretend they are a creature from one of those horror movies,” muses Bob Burhans, Curator of Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium. “So our staff thought it would be fun to stop by New York on the way to the Aquarium before bringing this amazing creature to his new home. Who says Aquarists don’t have a sense of humor?”

Along with Japanese spider crabs and two coconut crabs, the five new displays in the interactive exhibit feature fiddler crabs, lobsters and nephrops. Claws also includes a touch display allowing guests to feel the shell textures of different crabs; a mechanical claw that guests can control and use to pick up objects; plus a new daily educational presentation. 

Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium admission is $20 for adults and $15 for kids 3 to 12. 

–Press Release from Sea Life Aquarium