5 Fascinating Facts About Horseshoe Crabs
Horseshoe crabs were sunbathing on the sandy beaches of New Jersey long before any shore-goers. Check out five interesting facts about these prehistoric invertebrates that have been on planet Earth since the Ordovician Period, which was 445 million years ago!

1). Wait, what? It’s an Arthropod?
While a horseshoe crab is no spring chicken, it is also NOT a crab. These “living fossils” are in the invertebrate group, and are more closely related to spiders and scorpions. Horseshoe crabs have six pairs of legs, a hard shelled body with two large compound eyes and multiple smaller simple eyes atop the shell.
2). I always see them in the sand. Can they swim?

3). Can it’s barb-like tail hurt me?
Even though their tails (also called telsons) may look dangerous, they actually use it to flip themselves when overturned. Horseshoe crabs are completely harmless to humans. Since they do not bite, and their claws have a weak grip, it is perfectly safe for you to roll up your sleeves and dip your hands inThe Grotto touch exhibit the next time you’re at Adventure Aquarium.
4). Are horseshoe crabs only at the Jersey Shore?
5). Why are horseshoe crabs considered “Near Threatened” by the IUCN?
Each summer, Adventure Aquarium partners with the Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Survey organization, other wildlife conservation groups and volunteers to take count of the horseshoe crabs on the beaches. This data helps gain insight to population status and trends ensuring their place and importance in our ecosystem. To learn more about Adventure Aquarium’s conservation efforts and how your membership supports conservation activities around the world and in our local community, please visit our Membership Matters page.
So, the next time you’re taking a stroll on the beach, and see a horseshoe crab stuck upside down, be sure to gently flip it over and let it go on its merry way!