What is this sea critter

[rodi]

The beach this morning was littered with these little crab like/ lobster like things... Most were dead or dying and had washed up with the tide. They didn't have the splayed trail of a cray fish but otherwise looked like crayfish.

I'm uploading from my phone so the pictures might not be inline...

 

[irishgal]

Interesting.
My first thought was a Longhorn Decorator Crab but I don't think that's it.

If you want to give the location of the beach maybe someone will know.


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

 

[cathy63]

They are tuna crabs. Saw this on the news a couple weeks ago.

Tuna crabs create a red invasion at San Diego beaches - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8

 

[2017ish]

Thanks, Cathy!

They are pelagic and a food source for the big baleen feeders!?? Wow. Red Pelagic Tuna Crabs

 

[rodi]

They are tuna crabs. Saw this on the news a couple weeks ago.

Tuna crabs create a red invasion at San Diego beaches - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8

Awesome!

The pics were taken at La Jolla shores at around 6:30am this morning.

My dog knew they were tasty snacks - but couldn't figure out how to eat them... darn shells.

 

[Free To Canoe]

The things you learn on this forum.

It is usually found only south-west of San Diego,[1] but in warmer years, its range may extend northwards into California.[5] This is usually indicative of an El Niño event.[6]

Pleuroncodes planipes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[cathy63]

Well good! We desperately need the rain that a strong El Nino brings, so every sign of one is a positive thing.