Species · GBIF taxon 2221529
Atlantic Ghost Crab
Ocypode quadrataAlso known as Sand Crab, Swift-Footed Sand Crab
Atlantic ghost crabs blend seamlessly into sandy beaches, darting sideways at remarkable speeds to escape predators or incoming waves. These semi-terrestrial crabs excavate deep, angled burrows above the high-tide line, which they use to keep their gills moist and to seek shelter from the midday sun. At night, they emerge in large numbers to scavenge for food and hunt small beach invertebrates along the shoreline.
NocturnalBurrowingCoastal
Licensed reference(c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Omnivorous scavenger feeding on clams, insects, detritus, and turtle hatchlings
- family
- Ocypodidae
- threats
- Beach compaction, off-road vehicle traffic, and coastal development
- life Span
- Up to 3 years
LC
Capable of delivering a painful pinch with their claws if handled; observe them from a respectful distance.
Possesses powerful, asymmetrical claws capable of delivering a sharp, painful pinch that can break the skin.
Avoid trying to catch or corner them, and never stick fingers into their active beach burrows.- Flashlight spotting: Use a red-filtered flashlight at night to observe their active foraging behavior without startling them.
- Burrow identification: Look for perfectly round holes in the dry sand surrounded by radiating tracks and excavated sand pellets.
- Keep distance: Approach slowly to watch them feed, as they will quickly retreat to their burrows if they detect sudden movement.