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Atlantic Sand Crab
ExploreInvertebrate
Atlantic Sand Crab
emerita talpoida
The Atlantic Sand Crab is a small, lively creature that burrows in the sand at the beach. Kids love to dig for them and watch them scurry back to their sandy homes!
Habitat: Shallow coastal waters and sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
Appearance
The Atlantic Sand Crab has a smooth, oval-shaped carapace, typically grayish-tan or light brown, that blends perfectly with the sand. Unlike many crabs, it lacks prominent pincer claws, instead featuring flattened, paddle-like legs and feathery antennae.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderDecapodaFamilyHippidaeGenusEmerita
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female sand crabs can carry thousands of tiny, bright orange eggs under their tail!
If you dig carefully near the surf, you might find dozens living together!
They always face the ocean, even when buried, patiently waiting for the next wave!
Unlike most crabs, they walk backward, not sideways, to quickly escape into the sand!
Special abilities
Ability
Rapid Burier
Atlantic Sand Crab can burrow into wet sand in seconds because of its specialized legs that help it disappear from predators.
Ability
Filter Feeder Fan
Atlantic Sand Crab has long, feathery antennae that help it filter tiny food particles from receding ocean waves.
Ability
Wave Rider
Atlantic Sand Crab can move up and down the beach with the tide because it uses wave action to travel efficiently.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3.5 cm
- Weight
- 5 g
- Lifespan
- 3 years
- Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 16000
Diet & Feeding
This crab uses its feathery antennae to catch tiny bits of food from ocean waves as they wash over the sand.
Age differences: null
Primary Foods
- plankton
- detritus
- microalgae
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eaten by
Herring Gull
Larus argentatus
Important food source for shorebirds picking them from sand.
eaten by
Northern Kingfish
Menticirrhus saxatilis
Fish like kingfish dig them up from the sandy bottom.
eaten by
Summer Flounder
Paralichthys dentatus
Flounder prey on these crabs when partially buried.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Sand Flea
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after handling crabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Atlantic Sand Crab?
3.5 cm
How much does Atlantic Sand Crab weigh?
5 g
How long does Atlantic Sand Crab live?
3 years
How fast can Atlantic Sand Crab move?
0.5 km/h
What does Atlantic Sand Crab eat?
This crab uses its feathery antennae to catch tiny bits of food from ocean waves as they wash over the sand.
Where is Atlantic Sand Crab usually found?
Shallow coastal waters and sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
How does Atlantic Sand Crab hunt?
Filter Feeding
How many eggs does Atlantic Sand Crab lay?
16000
Snap Map
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