Animal Profiles
Horseshoe crabs

Horseshoe Crab

Xiphosurida

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Horseshoe crabs are marine arthropods more closely related to spiders than true crabs. This account describes the Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus).

Limulus polyphemus, the representative described in this account.

Limulus polyphemus, the representative described in this account.

Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Atlantic horseshoe crabs occupy shallow coastal waters along eastern North America and nearby regions.
Habitat
Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Worms and other seabed invertebrates provide food.

Classification

Common name
Horseshoe Crab
Browse group
Horseshoe crabs
Scientific name or taxon
Xiphosurida
Taxon rank
order
Order
Xiphosurida
Source classification
Xiphosura

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is not a true crab.
  • The tail helps it right itself.
  • Its eggs feed coastal wildlife.

Habitat and range

Atlantic horseshoe crabs occupy shallow coastal waters along eastern North America and nearby regions. Adults gather near suitable shorelines to spawn, and their eggs support many coastal animals.

Appearance and adaptations

A smooth, horseshoe-shaped front shield covers much of the body. The long pointed tail assists steering and helps an overturned animal right itself.

Diet and behaviour

Worms and other seabed invertebrates provide food. Foraging reworks the sediment, while spawning creates a concentrated seasonal food source for shorebirds and other consumers.

Sources

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