Spider Crab Cam

A Living Whalefall Community

This real-time view centers on a recreated whalefall, the rich ecosystem that springs up when a whale's remains settle on the seafloor. The model bones of a young sperm whale anchor a community of scavengers and invertebrates that can thrive here for decades, offering an extraordinary glimpse of deep-sea life rarely seen up close.

Giants of the Deep

The stars of the exhibit are the Japanese spider crabs, whose ten legs can span up to twelve feet from claw to claw. Eight legs carry them across the sand while two bear claws for feeding on decaying matter. You may notice them sitting perfectly still for long stretches, a strategy that conserves precious energy in the resource-scarce abyssal depths.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

Perched on historic Cannery Row in Monterey, California, the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium is a leader in ocean conservation and marine education. This exhibit cam carries that mission far beyond its walls, letting viewers everywhere explore the quiet, otherworldly beauty of the deep ocean.