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.
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.
