[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU5wZ3PyJOw&w=560&h=315]

Aki Inomata, a Japanese artist, is taking art to a new level using hermit crabs as inspiration. Inomata used an abandoned seashell from a hermit crab who had decided to find a new home as her starting point. By scanning the interior of the shell, she was able to create replica designs. Using this blueprint, she created 3D printed shells, many of which are designed to look like cities in New York, Tokyo, Greece and Thailand. On Inomata’s website, she explains her thought process for creating these amazing hermit crab shells: “The hermit crabs wearing the shelters I built for them, which imitate the architecture of various countries, appeared to be crossing various national borders. Though the body of the hermit crab is the same, according to the shell it is wearing, its appearance changes completely. It’s as if they were asking, “Who are you?””.  Can you imagine having one (or how about two or three actually) of these in your home tank? I know I will be adding this to my tank wish list. MORE