In what he has described as a "surprising characteristic", the animal's pincers are covered with sinuous, hair-like strands. It seems to reside around some Pacific deep sea hydrothermal vents, which spew out fluids that are toxic to many animals.

Paul Clark of the department of zoology at the Natural Histroy Museum said the characteristic strands, known as setae, that cover the crustacean's pincers are similar to those found on Chinese mitten crabs and some other crustacean species.

"Whether these setae are for growing or cultivating bacteria, I've no idea, but that could be one explanation. But it would also be interesting to find out whether there's anything else living in there," Mr Clark told the BBC News website.