Ghost crabs

Ghost crabs get their name from their nocturnal habits and pale colouring, which provides excellent camouflage against the sand.

They are shy crabs that will quickly disappear into the sea or their burrow when disturbed.

Several species of ghost crab are found on Christmas Island. They are:

• Horn-eyed ghost crab (Ocypode ceratophthalmus) – Easily recognised by the horn-like stalks extending from the top of its eyes.
• Smooth-handed ghost crab (Ocypode cordimanus) – More common on Christmas Island than the horn-eyed ghost crab, it can be seen foraging on the beach at night.
• Kuhl’s ghost crab (Ocypode kuhlii) – This rarely observed crab is similar in appearance to the smooth-handed ghost crab.
• Chinese ghost crab (Ocypode sinensis) – The smallest of the ghost crabs found on Christmas Island.

All of these ghost crab species have been recorded on Greta Beach, on the east coast of the island.