Crabs for sale in a fish market left customers stunned when they started tearing their way out the packaging.
The huge crustaceans used their pincers to slice open the clingfilm.
One local said: “Horsehair crabs are lively and well.”
Megu commented: “It’s so fresh that I’d rather keep it as a pet than buy and eat it.”
Yagamin joked: “Seems like it might escape from the shopping bag while I’m on my way home.”
Justine said: “I’m curious to see how big it will get if I buy it and raise it at home.”
It happened in the market in Rikuzentakata, north-east of Tokyo, Japan.
Animal rights advocates warn that crab populations are decreasing at an alarming rate due to overfishing and marine plastic pollution.
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The horsehair crab is found mainly in the north-western Pacific Ocean and is popular in Japanese cuisine.
Its meat has been described as dense with a firm texture and a sweet taste.
Its rich, umami-flavoured roe is also considered a delicacy.
According to a 2015 research article, crabs feel pain.