Horseshoe crab  (Limulus polyphemus)

Range

This species is found along the east coast of North America from Maine through south Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula. Along this range there are distinct populations, with the largest population in Delaware Bay (4).

View a distribution map for this species at UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Habitat

The horseshoe crab dwells on the bottom of muddy and sandy bays and estuaries. In the Gulf of Mexico, individuals have been found down to depths of 30 metres, with concentrations at five to six metres (3). They require sloping sandy beaches on which to lay their eggs (4).

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