The Crusty Fossils
Carolyn C. Smith
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Give FeedbackHorseshoe Crab (Limulus Polyphemus)
Another name for the horseshoe crab is the horsefish. This particular animal is more related to the spider and therefore is not considered a true crab. If you were to walk along the beaches from Main to Mexico you are likely to find shells belonging to this species. The young horseshoe is usually light yellow or natural in color. As it gets older its color changes to olive, brown, or almost black. The female horseshoe crawls along the sandy beaches between May and July to deposit her eggs. Although the meat of the horseshoe crab is tasty, it is not too inviting as a meal because of its gruesome looks.