While it is technically possible to consume sand crabs (mole crabs/sandfleas) if properly cleaned and cooked, their limited meat content and mushy texture make them less palatable compared to other seafood options.
What Is a Sand Crab (Mole Crab)?
Sand crabs, mole crabs or sandfleas are scientifically known as Emerita. These tiny crabs are crustaceans that use their antenna to filter feed and eat plankton and detritus.
Despite their size, they have a very strong exoskeleton and are used to dealing with tidal waves and ocean currents.
Anyone who has been to the beach at least once has seen these little crabs moving around just barely below the sand’s surface. When people look at the underwater sand and see bubbles, that is the sand crab burrowing deeper.
Many anglers like to use this crab as bait for larger fish such as red drums or kingfish.
Types of Sand Crabs
There are several species of sand crabs:
- Pacific Sand Crab: This species is commonly found along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Alaska to Baja California. They inhabit sandy beaches and are known for their burrowing and scavenging behavior.
- Atlantic Sand Crab: Found along the Atlantic coast of North and South America, the Atlantic sand crab is similar in appearance to the Pacific sand crab.
- Indo-Pacific Sand Crab: This species is found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
- African Sand Crab: Native to the coasts of West Africa, the African sand crab is another species within the Emerita genus. It shares similar characteristics with other mole crab species.
Can You Eat Sandfleas/Mole Crabs?
Mole crabs are not commonly consumed as food in many cultures. While they are not considered toxic or harmful, you should know a few things before eating them.
Mole crabs are small crabs, typically measuring around 1 to 2 inches in length. Their small size means there is very little meat to extract.
Mole crab meat has a delicate and subtle flavor. However, their texture is considered soft and mushy.
Is It Safe to Eat Sandfleas/Mole Crabs?
Mole crabs inhabit sandy beaches and intertidal zones, which can be exposed to various contaminants. It’s crucial to ensure that you collect them from a clean beach.
If you want to eat sand crabs, proper cooking and preparation techniques are important to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Cooking the mole crabs thoroughly, boiling or steaming them until the meat is opaque and cooked through, can help minimize potential health risks.
What Do Sand Crabs/Sandfleas Taste Like?
Some people describe their flavor as mild and slightly briny. Sand crabs have a delicate and subtle taste.
Since the meat of sand crabs is relatively small and the texture can be soft and mushy, the overall eating experience may not be particularly satisfying for some individuals.
How to Catch Sand Crabs
Use a small shovel to dig in the sand and uncover the mole crabs. Have a container or bucket filled with seawater to hold the mole crabs you catch.
Mole crabs are typically more active during low tide when they come closer to the water’s edge. Check the tide charts for your specific location to determine the best time for mole crab catching.
Look for sandy areas on the beach where wave action is relatively strong but not too intense. Mole crabs are often found in the wet sand where the waves wash ashore.
Look for signs of mole crabs, such as small V-shaped impressions in the sand or the movement of tiny legs. Once you spot a mole crab, quickly dig into the sand with your shovel. Be careful not to dig too deep to avoid injuring the crabs.
As you dig, scoop out the sand and locate the mole crab. Gently pick it up and place it in your container or bucket filled with seawater.
Remember, mole crabs are not commonly consumed as food, so catch and release is generally recommended.
What Is the Best Way to Cook SandCrabs/Mole Crabs?
If you want to cook sandfleas, start by rinsing the mole crabs under cold water to remove any sand or debris.
Bring a pot with water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor. Drop the mole crabs into the boiling water and cook them for about 3-5 minutes until they turn opaque and the shells become slightly red.
Once cooked, remove the mole crabs from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will help stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly.
After cooling, gently remove the hard shell of each mole crab. You can do this by pinching the body behind the head and pulling off the shell. Discard the shells.
The edible part of the mole crab is the soft, white meat found in its body. Serve the mole crab meat as an ingredient in seafood salads, pasta dishes or as a garnish for other seafood preparations. The delicate flavor of the meat pairs well with light sauces and seasonings.
