Chelicerata

CLASS MEROSTOMATA

Limulus polyphemus - Horseshoe Crab

Morphology:  Up to 60 cm in length with a horseshoe shaped carapace that is smooth and brown with 4 pairs of jointed walking legs and a spiked telson.      

Distribution:  Found in the Atlantic and the German Bight as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Found at Grice Beach.

Habitat: Most commonly found in shallow soft or muddy bottom habitats; migrate to shallow coastal waters to breed.

Life History: They live about 19 years, molt periodically, and reach sexual maturity between 9-12 years of age. Females will dig a hole in the sand and a male who is clinging onto her back fertilizes the eggs. They are mnivorous scavengers.

Reference: MarineBio.org

Note: L. polyphemus was not collected due to the overwhelming size of observed specimens.