Emerita is a small genus of decapod crustaceans, [3] known as mole crabs, sand fiddlers, sand fleas or sand crabs. These small animals burrow in the sand in the swash zone and use their antennae for filter feeding .

Jan 5, 2024 · Underneath they have five leg-like appendages and a short tail -like appendage known as a telson (the perfect tool for digging) that they hold into their body when bracing for impact. These features allow them to float around in the …

May 27, 2024 · Discover all the fascinating facts about the mole crab, including where they live, what they eat, and how they behave. Mole Crab Species, Types, and Scientific Name. The mole crab (Emerita) belongs to the arthropod phylum in the Malacostraca class. Arthropods are invertebrate animals with exoskeletons, and the Malacostraca includes over 40,000 ...

Mole Crabs (also called Beach Fleas, Sand Bugs, Sand Crabs, and Sand Fiddlers) are categorized as a type of Anomura crab, as are Hermit Crabs and Porcelain Crabs. The world “Anomura” means “irregular tail.”

Apr 17, 2020 · The mole crab’s pointy rump allows the backwards digger to easily pierce the sand. Then, with its tail it whips the saturated sand into a slurry, allowing for quick escape beneath the surface. With the adaptation of paddle-like front feet in place of claws, the mole crab can efficiently push away the displaced sand.

Sandy beaches in the swash region of the intertidal zone. Scavengers feeding on plankton and detritus. Burrows tail first into the sand along the swash zone and uses their antennae to filter feed. They have a short lifespan of two to three years. Recreational Regulations: Unregulated.

Feb 2, 2016 · Are you looking for the Mole Crabs facts and photographs? Find the perfect high quality images and classification from Seaunseen.

Mole crabs of the species Albunea have narrow, triangular eyestalks. Photos courtesy of Ashley Wiseman, TAMUG student.

The mole crab Emerita portoricensis is also known as sea armadillo, sea cockroach, sea tattoo, and sand crab in Trinidad and Tobago (Quesnel, 1975). This species of burrowing crab is generally sandy or yellowish brown in colour and can grow up to 19mm and 11mm carapace length in females and males, respectively (Sastre, 1990).

Mole crabs have three pairs of very short legs, and although some species of mole crabs do have claws, E. talpoida does not. In addition, their tail is also formed into a triangular appendage for digging.