About Cornwall

The spiny beast which measures close to 60 centimetres in length and tips the scales at 4.2 kilogrammes, was accidentally caught while the crew were fishing for stone bass on a wreck at a depth of 238 metres.

The lobster is now on display at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay.

The giant lobster measures nearly 60cm length

Blue Reef’s David Waines said: “He’s a real monster, about five times the size of an average spiny lobster. In fact he’s so big that it takes two members of staff to pick him up safely.

“Over the years we have looked after some very big crustaceans indeed; ranging from Alaskan king crabs to lobsters but everyone here believes this is the largest specimen we’ve ever seen.”

The massive crustacean has been named Poseidon by staff in honour of his size and strength.

“British records for this particular species are rare and we’re still trying to establish whether Poseidon is a record-breaker. However it would appear that he is at least twice the average size for a pink spiny lobster and therefore there’s got to be a good chance,” added David.

Poseidon was one of three pink spiny lobsters landed by the Britannia during their wreck fishing trip. The other two were sold at the fish market in Newlyn.

“Poseidon’s extraordinary size saved him from the pot and we’re now hoping that he’ll be able to live out the rest of his days in the safety of the aquarium.

“No one’s certain how long pink spiny lobsters live but to have grown so large one can only assume that he is a real old man of the sea,” added David.