Horseshoe Crab

The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), is found from Nova Scotia to the Yucatan Peninsula. These animals are often referred to as living fossils. This is because they are thought to have evolved more than 200 million years ago! Horseshoe crabs are found in Long Island Sound, Great South Bay, and in other areas along the coast of New York.

These prehistoric creatures can grow to about 20 inches (51cm) and can weigh up to a few pounds. Horseshoe crabs feed on a variety of marine worms, mollusks, and other small marine animals.

While many people do not eat horseshoe crabs, they can be fished for year round, and 5 may be taken daily at any size for noncommercial use. Commercial harvest limits are available in 6 NYCRR Part 44. Typically horseshoe crabs are used as bait, or taken for use in medical research. Horseshoe crab blood which happens to be blue, has been studied for the special properties it contains, and has been used to help fight certain diseases.

In the spring horseshoe crabs come to the shore to spawn. Thousands can be seen along the shorelines of Long Island making the shore quite a sight to see. A popular place to view site is along the shore of the Long Island Sound. The spawning season usually takes place in May and June. Horseshoe crabs eggs are an essential food source for many migrating shorebirds, including red knots, semipalmated sandpipers, sanderlings and dowithers. American eel, killifish, weakfish, silversides, summer flounder and winter flounder also eat horseshoe crab eggs and larvae. Horseshoe crabs are a very important component of the coastal ecosystem.