Albino crab discovered by Tynemouth aquarists

Jan 29 2010 by Phil Doherty, The Journal

AN ‘albino’ edible crab is feeling ‘all white’ after being discovered by aquarists at Tynemouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium.

The crustacean was spotted in seaweed which had been collected to go into one of their native marine displays.

Now the rare crab is being looked after in a special display at the aquarium – safe from any would-be predators.

Although the Aquarium’s marine experts do not believe Albert is a true albino they say they have never come across such a bizarrely coloured edible crab before and believe him to be extremely rare. Blue Reef’s Anna Etchells said: “True albinism means there is a total lack of pigment whereas with Albert he just appears to be incredibly white.

“No one is sure why this extreme colour change happens but there are similar cases recorded from the Robin Hood’s Bay area in North Yorkshire dating back to the 1970s.”

In the wild juvenile crustaceans use their natural camouflage to protect themselves from predators. In Albert’s case however his white shell did the complete opposite and actually attracted attention to him meaning he would have been unlikely to survive long in the wild.”