Atlantic Ghost Crab
Ocypode quadrata
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
The pale, stalk-eyed crab that scuttles sideways across dry sand at dusk.
- Typical size
- 1–3 in across
- How often it turns up
- Very common
- Collecting
- Protected, do not collect
- Handling
- Photograph and release
Living beach animals should be photographed and left where they are. Many are protected, and most cannot survive being moved.
How to tell it apart
- Sand-coloured, almost invisible when still
- Long eyestalks on top of the shell
- Burrow holes above the tideline
Where to find these in Florida
Beaches rated very good or excellent for tidepool life. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.
- Bathtub Reef Beach · Stuart
- Anne's Beach · Islamorada
- Bahia Honda State Park · Big Pine Key
- Bathtub Beach · Stuart
- Caspersen Beach · Venice
- Curry Hammock State Park · Marathon
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park · Key West
- Harry Harris Park · Tavernier
- Higgs Beach · Key West
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park · Key Largo
- Long Key State Park · Long Key
- Marineland Beach · Marineland
Found one?
Photograph it and BeachNut ranks the likely matches with a confidence read, then logs it to your collection with the beach and date.
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More tidepool life in the field guide
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