Mole Crab

Mole Crab

The Mole Crab or Sand Bug Emerita talpoida lives on ( or rather in ) ocean beaches, burrowing in the surf zone, and at times free swimming. It is totally harmless and grows to 1.5". These odd and somewhat comical little creatures seem to do everything in reverse - they dig backwards, walk backwards, and swim backwards. Fishermen dig them up for bait.

Mole Crab
Mole Crab

Sand Bugs filter feed with their long feathery antennas, which are withdrawn into protective sheaths when not in use. Not the long eye stalks that allow the animal to remain completely buried, and the short powerful limbs. They are unable to walk in any conventional sense, but are powerful diggers, and also surprisingly swift ( if somewhat random ) swimmers.


Railroad Bridge
Viewed from the northwest, prior to reconstruction, winter, high tide. 7-11 store at upper right.
Type:
inland tidal river
Depth:
20 ft, mostly a lot shallower

This spot is upstream on the Manasquan River. The diving area is rather small and not very deep. Visibility tends to be poor, and this is worsened whenever an O/W training class is in session, which is often. Also, the current under the bridge becomes very strong, so slack water is essential. For a long time, a dredge barge has been anchored in the channel, but otherwise, there is no boat traffic.

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