Atlantic Ghost Crab Images

Atlantic Ghost Crab Images, Facts and Information:

Ocypode quadrata

• Atlantic Ghost Crabs are pale yellowish-white crustaceans with boxy bodies, stalked eyes, and long legs adapted for fast movement on sand. Their coloration provides effective camouflage against beach environments. Adults typically measure about 1.5 to 2 inches across the carapace.
• Atlantic Ghost Crabs are found along the Atlantic coast of the Americas, from Rhode Island through Florida and into Brazil. They inhabit sandy beaches, dunes, and coastal strand areas where they dig burrows above the high-tide line.
• Atlantic Ghost Crabs are omnivorous and feed on small animals, birds, eggs, detritus, and beach carrion. They also scavenge on dead fish and sometimes raid sea turtle nests for eggs or hatchlings.
• Females carry eggs beneath their abdomen until hatching. Larvae develop in the ocean before returning to shore as juveniles, settling near the surf zone.
• Atlantic Ghost Crabs are primarily nocturnal and are known for darting swiftly across beaches, often disappearing into burrows when disturbed.
• A group of ghost crabs can be called a “cast” of crabs.

I hope you enjoy viewing my Atlantic Ghost Crab photos.