Page 12 - Destin Snorkel Handbook

Its always good to be familar with the ocean life that you or a customer may
encounter on your trips. Below are some facts about the ocean life you will see
that are most commonly asked about by customers.
BLUE CRAB Stone CRAB

Atlantic blue crab can grow seven to eight inches across. Stone Crabs live to about 7 years and can reach 5 - 6 inches
These crabs scavenge for their food and have been known across. They have the ability to feed on mollusks because
to eat other crustaceans (including their own species). of their enormous crushing force of their claws – up to 19,000
Mating season occurs between May and October and females pounds per square inch. Fisherman can only harvest
will lay up to two million eggs. Their lifespan is between their claws which they have the ability to regenerate
three and four years. their claws next time they molt
Hermit CRAB Horseshoe CRAB

Striped Hermit Crabs are scavengers. They can live out of the Horseshoe crabs have nine eyes! They have been around for
water for days and can live up to 30 years. more than 300 million years, making them even older than
Unlike other hermit crabs that fight over shells these guys dinosaurs. They can grow to be 18 to 19 inches and can live
negotiate by tapping on the outside of each other’s shell to more than 20 years. A horseshoe crabs tail is not dangerous
determine which crab deserves the shell. and is used to flip them over.
Sea Robin Damselfish

Sea Robins range from about 12 to 18 inches long. Damselfish are incredibly territorial and are often used
They use their pectoral fins to “walk” along the bottom to break in or cycle a new aquarium.
of the ocean looking for prey and use them to There are over 300 different species of damselfish.
zmove and manipulate small objects. They can reach 6” in length