They are primarily found in shallow coastal waters eastern coast of North America and parts of Southeast Asia.
They are primarily found in shallow coastal waters eastern coast of North America and parts of Southeast Asia.
Horseshoe crabs are opportunistic feeders and primarily scavenge on dead fish, mollusks, and other marine organisms.
Horseshoe crabs are opportunistic feeders and primarily scavenge on dead fish, mollusks, and other marine organisms.
Horseshoe crabs come to the shore to lay their eggs. The female buries her eggs in the sand, and the male fertilizes them externally.
Horseshoe crabs come to the shore to lay their eggs. The female buries her eggs in the sand, and the male fertilizes them externally.
Some species of horseshoe crabs are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat destruction, overharvesting (for bait and biomedical purposes), and bycatch in fishing nets.
Some species of horseshoe crabs are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat destruction, overharvesting (for bait and biomedical purposes), and bycatch in fishing nets.
Horseshoe crabs have blue, copper-based blood, which is unique among arthropods.
Horseshoe crabs have blue, copper-based blood, which is unique among arthropods.
Their blood contains a substance called Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which is used to detect bacterial endotoxins in pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
Their blood contains a substance called Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which is used to detect bacterial endotoxins in pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
LAL from horseshoe crab blood is crucial in ensuring the safety of medical equipment and vaccines by detecting potential bacterial contamination.
LAL from horseshoe crab blood is crucial in ensuring the safety of medical equipment and vaccines by detecting potential bacterial contamination.
Horseshoe crabs are often referred to as "living fossils" because they have remained relatively unchanged in appearance for hundreds of millions of years, representing a link to ancient marine ecosystems.
Horseshoe crabs are often referred to as "living fossils" because they have remained relatively unchanged in appearance for hundreds of millions of years, representing a link to ancient marine ecosystems.