How to Catch Sand Crabs

Co-authored by Kathy Sparrow, MA

Last Updated: August 26, 2023

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Sand crabs aren't the same as "Mr. Krabs" in Spongebob or the huge reddish orange ones that you would find in a seafood restaurant. The ones you are trying to catch are duller and smaller, and are able to blend in with sand better. So if you wish to catch a few, give these suggestions a go.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding Sand Crabs

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If it's too cold, try to get used to the temperature.

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This is what the sand crabs need so they don't escape when you don't want them to and so they don't get too dried out.^{[1]
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The "V" is the set of antennae that belong to a sand crab.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Retrieving the Sand Crabs

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You don't need a hole as deep as an abyss. You want one about half of a foot deep.^{[2]
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When you start digging, it's likely that a sand crab will start swimming around in the puddle.
Sand crabs like to bury themselves in the sand so try to be quick. When you hold it in your hands, don't crush the sand crab before it goes back into the water.
Let the crab crawl out of the sand while in your hands or on a flat surface.

Part 3

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Releasing the Sand Crab

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Wild animals don't like to be held captive.^{[3]
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Will sand crabs hurt a person, or do they run away?

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They won't hurt you, but they can run pretty fast. They do try to burrow, and that can tickle or pinch a little - but nothing painful.

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Do sand crabs live in Florida, or somewhere else?

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They do live in Florida, and in many coastal, subtropical and tropical locations.

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Will the sand crabs bite me if I try to pick one up and hold it in my hand?

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They don't bite. They just tickle because they try to burrow.

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Tips

Be quick because they run fast. Remember, they move sideways!

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Wait for the wave to be sucked out and just scoop up some sand before the next wave comes in. They'll crawl to the bottom of your hand.

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They will not bite, so don't be scared.

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Warnings

Sometimes, seagulls will want to eat the sand crab so beware of bird scat and hungry birds.

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There will be a time when you need to dig a different hole when you can't quite find any.

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