 |
The blue crab is one of the tastiest and most interesting sea creatures in Sandy Hook Bay. Their growth rate is fastest in the middle of the summer when the water is warm and food is abundant and they shed their shells frequently to grow. Cracking along the back side, they practically pop out of their old shell during the process, but are quite vulnerable to predators and other crabs. They also bring a premium price at the market as "soft shell" crab, which is deep fried and generally served in a bun. It is interesting to note that the female crab only mates during the shedding process and must be carried around by the male and protected for several days until her new shell has hardened. A female crab can produce over a million eggs in a season. Most are eaten by fish and other creatures as they drift as plankton during the early stages of their growth. |
| The shore crab is a transplanted species from the Orient. It probably hitchhiked in the bilge water of a freighter. |
 |
 |
The green crab is another introduced species that may have hitchhiked here on sailing vessels. Green crabs are the favorite bait of fishermen trying to catch blackfish. Both the green crab and the shore crab are now fairly common around Sandy Hook. |
| The hermit crab has given up its hard shell and uses a snail shell for protection. These are not the tropical land hermit crabs that you see for sale as pets on the boardwalk, and should not be taken from the bay. |
 |
 |
The surf clam is our largest bivalve and is used for bait, and fried clam strips. Colonists called it the skimmer clam and used it as a kitchen utensil. Today it often becomes a soap dish, a change holder or an ashtray. |
| Many of the smaller fish are overlooked because they are hiding among rocks and seaweed. |
 |
 |
The toadfish or oystercracker, also hides between rocks and in old tin cans, and is an ambush predator. |