what is a sand turtle?

[DEADFISH1]

the email from Premium Aquatics Livestock:

"Premium Aquatics Livestock
**SAND TURTLES SUPER DEAL, 50 lot for only $50.00**"

just curious, their not really turtles are they?
if they were that would be cool, unless they grew really large, yikes!

 

[Green Mariner]

They are not actual turtles, they are a type of crab, here is a pic, that Crawdad1 posted on RC that he had in his tank.

here is the thread
http://www.reefcentral.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=a55dc4e90fa225ab00ef25de3187558b&threadid=42651

HTH

 

[DEADFISH1]

oh, cool, thanks......

 

[jamesw]

ROFL! Those sure look like temperate water Mole Crabs, like the ones you catch and use as bait in southern California (water temp ~ 65deg). Also not that these crabs come from the surf zone.


Are the ones sold by Premium a tropical variety?

HTH
James

 

[Green Mariner]

Not sure if these are the exact same, but that seems to be the feeling that everyone has.

 

[Anonymous]

We used to dig those up from the beach in FL and use them for bait. We called them "sand fleas". We even had a basket/shovel/scoop attached to a pole. When a wave would wash ashore, the water would run back to sea and you would see little "V"s in the sand from their legs?/antenna? deflecting the water. Dig with the scoop like you're using a hoe in a garden, and instant bait.

For a buck a piece, I may move back and go into business! We used to be able to catch dozens in a few minutes.

[ October 25, 2001: Message edited by: cm5299 ]</p>