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The ghost crab (Ocypode) will go into the surf to wet its gills, but can drown if held underwater. Look for their burrows in the dunes. Ocypode means "swift-footed" and they are difficult to see or catch on the beach. Return them to their burrows if you catch one and don't try digging them out since the holes go down almost 4-feet. |
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(Above, left) A larval ghost crab as it leaves the planktonic stage and begins life on land after shedding (Above, right).
(Left) Seaweed and beach hoppers are common just above the tideline. They are scavengers and eat whatever washes ashore with the waves.
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 The grass shrimp (Palaemonetes) is commonly found hiding along vertical objects like bulkheads and marsh grasses. |
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washed up on the beaches. These are not the semi-terrestrial species from the tropics that are sold in pet stores, and should be returned to the water. |
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