Ghost crab, (genus Ocypode), also called sand crab, any of approximately 20 species of shore crabs (order Decapoda of the class Crustacea). The types of ghost crabs can be identified more easily by means of the area where they are found. Fact 10. These crabs are able to chair their coloring to match their surroundings, making them less vulnerable to predators. Atlantic Ghost Crab is a semi terrestrial crab and breathe oxygen from the air through moistened gills. Make Offer - Live Freshwater Invertebrate - 2" Fiddler Crab - Exotic Predatory Mini Crab 200 bulk order Live Fiddler Crabs Brackish/Freshwater Aquarium Terrarium $89.99 We can mention the O. quadratus, which inhabits the western Atlantic coast from New Jersey to Brazil, the O. ceratophthalmus, found on the beaches of the Indian and Pacific oceans and the ghost crab O. saratan, belonging to the Red Sea. Bioecology of the ghost crab Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787) (Crustacea: Brachyura) compared with other intertidal crabs in the Southwestern Atlantic. Ghost Crabs are not an endangered species. The Atlantic ghost crab has a square-shaped, semi-translucent carapace (shell) that can measure up to three inches; males are generally larger than females. They are called Atlantic Ghost crabs because they are swift runners at a speed of 10 miles per hour. The crab, sandy or whitish in colour, has claws of unequal size and rather hairy legs.
It is famous for hunkering down and covering itself with sand very quickly, seeming to disappear before your eyes.
Atlantic Ghost Crab Ocypode quadrata Contributor: David Knott DESCRIPTION Taxonomy and Basic Description In 1787, J.C. Fabricius formally described the Atlantic ghost crab from specimens collected in Jamaica, originally calling it Cancer quadrata. Following Linnaeus’ development of the
There are technically over 20 species of ghost crabs worldwide, although the variety you'll spot most along the Outer Banks is the Atlantic Ghost Crab, which shares many characteristics with the fiddler crab, also found all along the coastal North Carolina area along muddy soundside areas or … O. quadratus, the beach crabs noted for their running speed, occur on dry sand above the high-tide mark on the western Atlantic coast from New Jersey to Brazil. Ghost crabs scuttle across the sand faster than you can say Ocypode quadrata, the scientific name for this sand crab that appropriately means “fleet-footed.” Called ghosts for their pale yellowish-white markings and their nocturnal lifestyle, these elusive beach dwellers are among the most adaptive creatures on the coast Their jointed legs help them move fast. The name Ocypode means swift-footed. Ghost crabs live in burrows in the sand above the high water line. A Ghost Crab’s most usual predator is birds and small mammals like raccoons. Fact 8. It is pale like a ghost, and camouflaged to blend with the sand. Fact 11. Atlantic Ghost Crab. Sometimes Ghost Crabs do this when it’s wintertime while hiding inside their burrows. Amazed by the beauty of these fragile barrier islands, Ghost Crab Quest is committed to sharing and exploring its wonders day and night.
An active morning on Cocoa Beach as the Atlantic Ghost crabs dig tunnels up to 4 feet deep to protect from predators and the sun. Although Ghost Crabs can move very fast and catch most of their prey on the beach, they cannot swim. Atlantic ghost crab, Ocypoda quadrata. To care for ghost crabs, fill a glass aquarium tank that's at least 20 gallons in size with enough sand for your crabs to burrow and dig in.
Journal of Shellfish Research , 29 (2): 503-512. You should also provide your crabs with places to hide and things to climb on, which you can do by adding a few clean shells, plastic plants, or … The Atlantic Ghost Crab is a species of crab known by the scientific name Ocypode quadrata. The crabs in this genus are called ghost crabs because their matched the color of the sand, making them blend in and hard to spot. Fact 9.