Sand crabs are amazingly well adapted to move in the sand and swash they swim and burrow, moving backwards, and constantly rebury themselves as they follow the waves.

The crabs will quickly retract their antennae when the wave wash retreats or when they feel the vibrations from approaching footsteps. Unlike most crabs, they have no claws and are suspension feeders, eating the plankton caught in their antennae. They like to stay close together or aggregate so, look for the textured sand caused by tiny holes in the sand at the water’s edge. You also may be able to see the V-shaped ripples caused by wave wash flowing over the antennae as they seive the water for food. Book great deals at Beach Life by the Gulf - Charming & Fully Equipped with - Check guest reviews, photos & cheap rates for Beach Life by the Gulf - Charming & Fully Equipped in St. Johns Pass Village & Boardwalk is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) away. Here, in the wet shoreline sand they ‘fish’ for food with their feathery antennae. This family-friendly Redington Beach vacation home is located near the beach, within 1 mi (2 km) of Belleair Beach and Archibald Beach Park. I want your time on our beaches to be memorable.

They spend their lives following the tides in order to remain shallowly buried in the wave wash. Florida beaches are about as close to Paradise as you can get. Sand crabs (aka mole crabs) are bizarre critters. Shaped like small eggs and growing up to 1.5-inch long, these sand dwellers are easily spotted at the beach.

Florida beach life