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The Case of the Disappearing Shrimp
Have you ever walked along the muddy shore and seen little holes or squiggly piles of sand? Someone’s been digging—but who?
The Case of the Disappearing Shrimp
Have you ever walked along the muddy shore and seen little holes or squiggly piles of sand? Someone’s been digging—but who?
Most of the times its just little worms, but...there are actually tiny, nearly invisible creature with powerful claws that dig these holes! They are called ghost shrimp!
What Are the Ghost Shrimp?
What Are the Ghost Shrimp?
Ghost shrimp are pale, almost see-through, hence the name. They live in mudflats and sandy bays, including around Alameda and the Bay. They can grow up to 4 inches long, but they are rarely seen since they like to hide!
Master Diggers of the Mudflats!
Master Diggers of the Mudflats!
These fragile little shrimps burrow in the mud to protect their bodies and find food. They use their front claws to dig; their legs to push away mud, and their tails to close off their burrow systems. These tunnels are like ants, and they can go as deep as 3 feet!
These burrows are very helpful to the environment. They help mix oxygen into the mud which is good for plants and other creatures. These tunnels also provide homes or hiding places for other small critters, and are part of a huge, messy, wonderful underground neighborhood!
Ghost shrimp are like tiny construction workers under the beach!
Ghost Shrimp are a Key Part of the Food Web
Ghost Shrimp are a Key Part of the Food Web
Even though we don’t see them, ghost shrimp are food for important shorebirds (like curlews and godwits with long beaks!), and they are very important for the Bay’s mudflat ecosystem, which supports fish, crabs, and more! Their tunnels also help recycle nutrients that support eelgrass and nearby marine life.
Many people think mudflats are “just mud,” but they’re actually as important as the ghost shrimp that live in them. Mudflats are full of life that helps bigger animals in the sea live. Not only that but mudflats filtering water and are natural flood protectors as well as wildlife restaurants!
Protect the Invisible Workers!
There are many things we can do to protect ghost shrimp and the mudflats they live in. For instance, taking simple steps like staying on paths when walking in muddy areas on the beach, supporting clean water initiatives (pollution hurts shrimp), and informing friends and family by visiting Crab Cove or a nature center to learn more about ghost shrimps.
While you may never see a ghost shrimp— they’re working hard beneath your feet to keep the Bay alive and thriving!
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