Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Horseshoe Crab
Let us get to know the unique appearance of this crab and its functions.
Name- The horseshoe crab
Scientific name- Limulidae
Size- 12 inches -31.25 inches
Distribution – Asia, America, Eurasia, etc are the continents where Horseshoe crabs are found.
They are found in a variety and large numbers in different oceans of the Planet.
Habitat –
Horseshoe crab lives in the muddy or sandy bottoms of brackish water or seawater. Some species can also be found in the Mangrove areas
Appearance
As in its name, the Horse-shoe crab has a shape of a Horseshoe hard covering called a Carapace, which moults at least 18 times before sexual maturity. There are 3 parts of the body Head, Carapace and Tail.
The tail is a great organ that helps in agility while Swimming for Horseshoe crabs. They can move upside down. Gills are present to breathe in the water. They are arranged in a way, which looks like the pages of a book.
Horseshoe crabs have eyes on its head and even on its tail.
They lack teeth but their mouth is covered with ‘Bristles’. Bristles are hairy structures that trap or grasp food. When horseshoe crabs move forward their food gets moved further into the mouth with help of Bristles
Food-
Horse crabs feed on Barnacles, Oysters and Starfish. They can also feed on Marine algae, worms, etc
Reproduction
Male and Female Horseshoe crabs mates on the beach
Males arrive at the Beach on the full moon in the spring season, and with the help of high tide, they appear on the shore.
Female Horseshoe crabs lay 4000 eggs.
The lifespan of a Horseshoe crab is for 30 years.
Also See ⇒ Eel