The furred sponge crab was found off the Lizard Peninsula on Saturday.
On top of its brown hard shell was a bright orange sponge blanket – making it a cross between Mr Krabs and SpongeBob himself from the popular Nickelodeon animated series.
However, it could be argued the covering looks more like melted nacho cheese.
Behind the discovery was Daniel Gilbert – better known as Dan Dan the Lobster Man.
However, nature lovers can be reassured that the crab will not be finding itself dished up to customers at one of Dan’s seafood outlets in Porthleven and Carbis Bay.
Dan confirmed that the crab was returned to the sea after a quick photograph, describing it as “very rare and incredibly beautiful.”
The crab carried a blanket of bright orange sponge (Image: Dan Dan the Lobster Man)
Sponge crabs are more commonly found around the South African coast, almost 8,000 miles away as the crow flies.
They can also be found in the Indian Ocean and usually live 18 metres underwater.
The crabs can grow up to 50 millimetres, or two inches, across and are characterised by their “puffy” body covered with a fine fur, and “knobbly tips” to their legs.
They often carry sponge on their back, thought to be for camouflage.
A similar finding was reported by the Packet back in August 2021, when Ian Jepson, a sustainable lobster and crab pot fisherman for more than 35 years, discovered the usual crustacean while six miles out to sea off Perranporth.
On that occasion, the crab’s sponge ‘hat’ bore more resemblance to a Cornish pasty.
READ MORE: Meet the crab that looks like a Cornish pasty
Mr Jepson said at the time: “They seem to carve out a piece of sponge which is loose fitting on their backs.
“We only usually get one every year or two, but this summer we have had five already.
“I don’t know if the increase is down to global warming, but I am now trying to find out how far they have spread.”