First Recorded Predation of Lightfoot Crab by Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab

A research team from GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam, has documented the first confirmed instance of a horn-eyed ghost crab preying on a mottled lightfoot crab along the Rushikonda shoreline. The rare behavioural event, observed during an evening field visit in April, provides new insight into species interactions along India’s east coast.

Unusual Predator–Prey Encounter on Rushikonda Beach

Researchers noticed an unexpected movement during low tide, revealing a horn-eyed ghost crab actively consuming a mottled lightfoot crab. The prey species normally occupies rocky crevices, while the predator is largely confined to sandy stretches. The event suggests a temporary merging of habitats where sand and rock occur in close succession.

Behavioural Extension and Ecological Significance

The observation indicates a possible behavioural extension by the horn-eyed ghost crab, likely linked to nocturnal foraging. Such predation has not been previously documented along the Indian coast. The finding also highlights the adaptability of generalist predators that shift their diet based on prey availability across changing terrains.

Role of Ghost Crabs in Intertidal Ecosystems

Ghost crabs are keystone species in sandy intertidal zones. Belonging to the genus “Ocypode”, they influence the distribution of smaller organisms and modify shore structure through their burrows. Six species are known along the Indian coastline, three of which—”O. brevicornis”, “O. macrocera” and “O. cordimanus”—occur at Rushikonda.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The finding was published in the November edition of the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
• Horn-eyed ghost crabs can act as apex predators in intertidal food webs.
• Six species of ghost crabs are recorded along India’s coast.
• Lightfoot crabs usually inhabit rocky crevices, unlike sand-dwelling ghost crabs.

Environmental Drivers and Need for Further Research

Researchers suggest that pollution, altered sediment patterns, rising sea temperatures and shifting tidal rhythms may cause species to explore new microhabitats. While the incident may be isolated, it raises important questions about ecosystem responses to environmental disturbances. The Visakhapatnam coastline, with its blend of sandy beaches and rocky shelves, offers a promising landscape for future studies on transitional intertidal interactions.