Bubbler crabs and sand balls

Arthropoda – Malacostraca

Distribution: 

(Scopimera inflate) 

These sand balls, radiating out from a central hole in the sand are the product of a bubbler crabs latest meal. These small crabs filter out tiny food particles from the sand, making these balls then depositing them out of their hole on the sand, in the intertidal zone. They are very wary of predators and will scurry back into their hole if they sense movement or shadows close by.

  

Did you know?

Every time the tide comes in (twice a day) the sand balls get washed away. Once the tide goes back out the crabs start making them again.