Right here in the Indian River Lagoon System resides an incredible species known as horseshoe crabs. These prehistoric creatures have walked the Earth for over 445 million years! They are often referred to as “living fossils” because they have hardly changed over all that time.
Horseshoe Crab Fossil
They are not Susceptible to Any Diseases
Horseshoe Crabs have survived for so long because they are not susceptible to diseases. Their blood contains amebocytes, cells that attack disease-causing pathogens and clot around them.
Horseshoe Crab in the Indian River Lagoon
Horseshoe Crabs Have Blue Blood
Another interesting fact is that horseshoe crab blood is blue! Instead of iron, their blood contains copper giving it a blue color. This blood is extremely useful in the medical world, it is used to test vaccines and new medicines. When added to a vaccine or medicine, the blood will clot around any bacteria, telling us whether or not it is okay to use.
Horseshoe Crab Up Close
You Will Often See These Animals on Kayak Day Tours
The horseshoe crab is just one of many interesting animals you will see on one of our kayak day tours. Other common sights include dolphins, manatees, and herons.
Did You Know?
- Horseshoe crabs are closely related to spiders and other arachnids
- They are considered “living fossils”
- This animal has changed very little in over 445 million years
- They may look scary, but they are harmless
- Horseshoe crabs are important to the biomedical industry
- They feed on clams, crustaceans, worms, other animals, and even algae.
