Crab with extra pincer set found on a Newquay beach

The crab with its extra pincers was found in Newquay

An unusual crab with an extra set of pincers has been discovered on a Cornish beach.

The 'mutant' shore crab was discovered by Matt Slater, from the Blue Reef Aquarium curator, on Towan Beach in Newquay.

In addition to its normal pair of claws, the crab has an extra set which point outwards resembling a pair of antlers.

Shore crabs use their strong claws to crack mussel shells and for fighting.

Mr Slater said: ""There are literally thousands of shore crabs living among the rock pools and cliffs on the beach but this is the first time I have ever come across one with quite such an unusual set of claws.

"It's rare to find crustaceans with extra claws, very little research work has been done on this so no one really knows why this sometimes happens, it could be due to environmental factors or be a genetic mutation."

Crabs, like other crustaceans, are capable of re-growing limbs and claws if they lose or damage them in a fight.

Mr Slater said: ""Although the extra claws look impressive they can't actually function so he's no more dangerous to handle than any other crab.

"Except for the extra pincers he's in excellent condition and they clearly haven't prevented him from hunting and scavenging successfully."