Common name:
Galapagos ghost crab / Painted ghost crab / Cart driver crab
Scientific name:
Ocypode gaudichaudii
Spanish name:
Cangrejo fantasma
Conservation status:
Least Concern
Average lifespan:
2 – 3 years
Average size:
10 centimetres
Overview
Ghost crabs are commonly found on tropical and subtropical sandy shores across the world. There are over 20 species of Ocypode around the world, two of which are in the Eastern Pacific (Ocypode occidentalis and Ocypode gaudichaudii). Ocypode gaudichaudii are found all along the eastern Pacific coast of Central and South America.
They are small, red-orange crabs with sandy dots across the back of the carapace (hard upper shell). They have a box-like body, thick elongated eyestalks, and one claw is larger than the other in both males and females for feeding and digging their burrows. Their eyestalks allow them to see 360ᵒ to detect potential predators and prey. Their vision is so precise it allows them to grab insects out of the air. The only blind spot they have is directly overhead. The eyestalks are tipped with horn-like projections called styles.
Galapagos ghost crabs in Galapagos
Photo gallery
Click an image to view larger
Tackling Plastic Pollution
"45% of all plastic used along the Pacific coastline of South and Central America is inadequately managed, leaking 1 million tonnes of plastic each year."
We are working with partners across the Eastern Pacific to make Galapagos plastic pollution free once again, identifying the sources and impacts of plastic and supporting innovative solutions.
Get the latest news from Galapagos
