Time-lapse of Japanese spider crab outgrowing its shell

A time-lapse camera captured a six-hour process of how the world’s largest arthropod outgrows its own shell

The camera was set up above the habitat of one of Sea World’s crab species and captured the entire process, according to a press release by Sea World San Diego.

Team members were thrilled to watch.

The Japanee spider crab is known as the largest arthropod in terms of leg span.

“It’s a perfectly natural occurrence for a spider crab,” says Aquarium Curator Mike Price. “But for us, as marine scientists to be able to witness Mother Nature in action in such an impressive way, that’s a great day at SeaWorld!”

You can watch the full clip above.