The Elusive Ghost Crab

The small crab on the beach is a Ghost Crab (Ocypode genus). As a marine biologist with decades of experience, I have observed that this species is perfectly adapted to its sandy environment. They are known for their pale, translucent bodies, which provide excellent camouflage against the sun-bleached sand, allowing them to disappear almost instantly from sight, thus earning them their common name.

Ghost crabs are incredibly swift runners, capable of moving at high speeds to evade predators or scurry back to their burrows. They are primarily nocturnal, scavenging for food at night, though it's common to see them at dusk or dawn. Their stalked eyes and powerful claws are key tools for their survival, helping them to spot danger and manipulate food.