Sand crabs (I think)

[AquaRey]

There are these little sand creatures at the shore on beaches that when the water pulls on the sand you see them scurry to re-dig themselves into the sand and out of sight. They're harmless because the kids all pick them up barehanded and collect them. I think they're sand crabs but don't look anything like the regular crabs. Anyone know what they are? Would they be reef safe since they would be under the substrate? I was thinking they'd be great substrate stirrers. Anyone? thanx

[FishKid]

We call 'em sand fleas I think they would be great sand stirrers, but think about the way they come in, on a wave, the strong current might be needed I believe they can live in both cold and warm water, so as long as you acclimate them to your tank, they should be good. they also make good bait!

mark

p.s. I think they are called mite crabs or something, ask Dr. Ron at www.reefcentral.com

[Green Mariner]

They would be great at stirring the sand, but, (and its a big one) they will probably eat all of your sand fauna. Probably best to leave them where they are!

HTH

[Biomanjcs72]

Leave them where they are...They are specialized breakwater creatures, they live in High energy intertidal zones. (where the waves break). And yes, they would eat most of your sand fauna, then probably die.
Living where they do, I would be willing to speculate that they need a very high O2 content in their water. They are very good bait. If you want something to stir your sand, go for a harbor goby, he'll stir it, and only go after about the top .25-.50" so most of your fauna will be OK. ( I have, however, heard about them burying plate corals and such, so if you have corals on the sand, you could have trouble), but generally OK (Unless somebody's heard/seen them covering corals on the rocks.)