Calay News
A British Columbia diver made an unusual discovery recently, finding a horseshoe crab on the sea floor in False Creek, Vancouver. The creature is native to the Atlantic Ocean and is not normally found in Pacific waters.
The diver, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that when he first saw the creature, he knew “immediately it wasn’t supposed to be here.” He took photos and reported the sighting to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which confirmed the discovery.
The horseshoe crab is an ancient species that has been around for millions of years and is typically found along the eastern coast of North America. It has a hard, helmet-shaped shell and a long, spiky tail. Despite its name, it is not a true crab but is more closely related to spiders and scorpions.
Experts are unsure how the horseshoe crab ended up so far from its native habitat, but speculate that it may have hitched a ride on a ship or been accidentally released from an aquarium. They are now monitoring the area to see if any more horseshoe crabs turn up.
Horseshoe crabs are important to the medical industry because their blue blood contains a substance that can detect bacterial contamination in vaccines and medical equipment. The creatures are also an important food source for migratory birds and other marine animals.
This unusual discovery highlights the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that live within them. It also reminds us that the ocean is full of mysteries and surprises and that there is still much to learn about the creatures that call it home.
