Catching Sand Crabs

As odd as it might sound, I found this activity rather entertaining and captivating. These little creatures no bigger than a thumb, are known as the sand crab. They spend most of their life buried under the shifting sand along beaches shores. Popping their heads above the sand when a wave comes in, they stick out an antenna and clean off bits of sand, eating plankton and sea debris.

The sand crab has only one movement: backward. They can only bury themselves in sand by using their back legs. As difficult as this may sound, they are remarkably quick, which is where the challenge comes in. Are you quick enough to catch a sand crab?

Now don’t just go out and start digging for sand crabs, there is a method. Follow these simple rules and you will soon be a sand crab catcher.

1. See. First, you must stop out the location of your sand crab. Get in your position and start looking. When the tide breaks, recedes and the sand settles, looks for tiny air bubbles protruding out of the sand. You can also spot sand crabs by looking for what appears as small volcanoes, holes with raised ridges. This defines your “target area.”

2. Scoop. The tactic is being as quick as the sand crab, meaning dig fast! Sand crabs don’t like to have their positions revealed, so when their location is in threat, they will bury themselves farther into the sand. Scoop at the sand around and over the bubbles, taking a hand full of sand. Sift through the sand carefully for the sand crabs camouflage shell can be easily missed. Another way, besides visibly looking for a sand crab is by feeling for it. A small vibration in your hand will indicate you’ve caught one. The vibrations are the sand crabs legs attempting to dig through the sand in your hand. If you were unlucky, wait for another wave and try again. It may take several tries, but the excitement of catching something spectacular is worth the wait.

3. Show. If you were successful in your sand crab hunting, once all the sand has been brushed away or you’ve rinsed your hand, your new little friend will be resting in your hand. Soft-shelled sand crabs are typically used as bait for fishermen or since they have the largest sensory neurons than any animal, they are used in laboratories for neurological testing. However, if you aren’t planning taking any fishing trips or working in the lab, it is best if you bid farewell to your new friend and release him back into his hole.

So the next time you find yourself as the shores lines, bored with nothing to do or in search for an adventure, don’t forget about the sand. It’s amazing what you can dig up!