Species · GBIF taxon 4382444
Ocypode ceratophthalmus
ocypode ceratophthalmusAlso known as Horn-eyed Ghost Crab, Horned Ghost Crab
Horned ghost crabs dominate sandy tropical beaches, darting across the shoreline with astonishing speed to hunt or escape predators. Their most striking feature is the long, pointed horn extending from each eyestalk, which grows more pronounced as they mature. During the heat of the day, they retreat into deep, self-excavated burrows that help them regulate moisture and stay cool.
NocturnalCoastalFast-moving
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beach fleas
- Small mollusks
- Carrion
Predators
- Shorebirds
- Gulls
- Large predatory fish
ThreatsCoastal development, beach grooming, vehicle traffic, and plastic pollution
HabitatsSandy beaches, intertidal zones, and coastal dunes
Life spanApproximately 2 to 3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDecapoda
- FamilyOcypodidae
- GenusOcypode
- Speciesocypode ceratophthalmus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Large individuals can deliver a painful pinch with their claws; handle with care or observe from a distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with powerful, unequal claws capable of delivering a sharp pinch if cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for the distinctive pointed horns extending past the eyes and a boxy, sandy-colored shell.
- What to do
- Avoid picking them up by hand; use a container if relocation is necessary, or simply watch them from a step back.
Responsible observation
- Use a Red Light: Observe their nocturnal beach activities using a red flashlight to avoid startling them.
- Watch the Burrows: Look for neat piles of sand on the beach, which indicate active burrowing sites.
- Approach Slowly: Move gently to prevent them from darting into the surf or their burrows at high speed.
Frequent Companion (c) Henrik Kibak, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henrik Kibak · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Thomas Mesaglio, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Mesaglio · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Continue in the app Found in Collections
Species set Pro
Shore Life
Ocypode ceratophthalmus is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.