Coastal Horseshoe Crab
About the Coastal Horseshoe Crab in Singapore
Last updated 31 May 2026
The Coastal Horseshoe Crab (Tachypleus gigas) has been around for 450 million years, which makes them older than dinosaurs. They are also more closely related to spiders than they are to true crabs.
On our shores, Coastal Horseshoe Crabs are often spotted in mating pairs, with the smaller male on top of a larger female.
Identifying features
Check out some of the identifying features of Coastal Horseshoe Crabs below.
Coastal Horseshoe Crabs have a circular greyish-brown shell and long spines on the sides of their body. Their tails have a serrated edge and are triangular where they meet the body.
Habitat and ecology
Coastal Horseshoe Crabs can be found on sandy and muddy shores. They lay millions of eggs that feed a variety of shorebirds, fishes, and other animals. With dwindling populations due to habitat loss, Coastal Horseshoe Crabs are a nationally Endangered species.
Did you know?
The blood of Coastal Horseshoe Crabs is bright blue as it contains a protein called hemocyanin. This is particularly valuable to the medical industry as it can be used to detect bacteria in injectable products.
Learn more about the Coastal Horseshoe Crab!
Curious about the Coastal Horseshoe Crab? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
