This week鈥檚 extreme tides, ranging from remarkably low to high, have created fantastic opportunities for uncovering beach treasures along Texas beaches. The shifting dune and waterlines have revealed incredible finds, including massive lightning whelks, live sand dollars, and blue land crabs.
During my weekly beachcombing surveys, I came across three large blue land crabs moving slowly near the water鈥檚 edge. These fascinating creatures are often mistaken for blue crabs, the kind many of us enjoy as seafood, but they鈥檙e quite different. Blue land crabs are unmistakable due to their size, measuring up to six inches across鈥攏ot counting their legs and claws鈥攁nd their single oversized claw used for defense. Their colors range from deep blue to pale gray, making each encounter uniquely striking. One of the crabs I found this week had the largest claw I鈥檝e ever seen, spanning an impressive six inches.
Blue land crabs live in deep burrows in coastal muddy habitats, where a pool of saltwater at the bottom keeps their gills moist. They typically emerge after heavy rains, but this week鈥檚 sightings came during cold, dry weather. Females embark on remarkable migrations of up to three miles from their burrows to the ocean to release over 250,000 eggs.
The species has a diverse diet, feeding on decaying plant material, dead animals, and even other blue land crabs. They are estimated to live up to 15 years, molting around 60 times鈥攖hree times more than most other crab species. Predators include raccoons, foxes, hawks, and, in some regions like the Bahamas and the Caribbean, humans who consider them a food source.
I come across these crabs several times a year, and every encounter feels special. I always take a moment to admire their unique beauty, snap a few photos, and let them continue their journey.
The extreme tides are expected to persist through the weekend, with low tides in the mornings鈥攁 perfect time for beachcombing as the sun rises. Grab your gear and head out to see what treasures you can discover.
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