It is in Puerto Rico! The fascinating and curious world of ghost crab

If you arrive at the beach when the sun rises or you stay in it during sunset, and stare at the sand, you may observe the fascinating movement of an animal that could reveal a lot about the health of our coasts, including those of Puerto Rico.

This is the ghost crab of the Atlantic, a small crustacean with the ability to camouflage between the sand and move quickly. His presence is a bioindicator that you are on a healthy beachexplains Jorge Bauzá Ortega, oceanographer and scientific director of the estuary of the Bay of San Juan.

“The ghost crab is an important species as a link in the food chains and in the ecological balance of the beach. It feeds on particles of animal and plant origin, thus cleaning its environment as if it were ‘sweep It is like an important piece that transfers the energy that moves ecosystems”He said.

However, the scientific disseminator, who has studied the species on the island, emphasizes that this is very vulnerable to coastal constructions and erosion, product of the rise of sea level.

Next, 9 curious data of the crustacean:

1. They tell him “ghost” for the amazing way in which he camouflages himself in the bell of the beach, basically where the dry sand abounds.

2. Live on the sandy coasts of the East of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and Brazil.

3. They are nocturnal! Morrigueras excavate in the morning, hide during the day and leave their cuevitas in the afternoon and night to avoid being hunted by birds so easily.

4. is considered the fastest crab in the world, so the first part of its scientific name “Ocypode Quadrata” means “fast foot.”

5. They only enter the sea to put their eggs and moisten when necessary. They have fine hair on their legs, which help them absorb water from the sand.

6. They run laterally and stop frequently while fleeing threats.

7. It’s carnivore! Hunting clams, baby turtles, smaller crabs and insects.

8. His high black eyes allow him a vision of about 360 degrees to protect and hunt.

9. Your mating can occur throughout the year.

Considering that the ghost crab is a bioindicator of the health of our beaches, what should we do to protect our coasts?

“The beaches protect themselves like any other relationship, loving and respecting them. What is loved is protected. Do not leave garbage; take it. Participates in coastal cleanings, although the garbage is generated by another. It promotes and participates as a scientific citizen in monitoring and water quality studies. Clean water is life and health for all. Read, learn and share knowledge and with your example about the importance of beaches, ”concluded Bauzá Ortega.