We use "sand fleas" [mole crabs to others] as bait for pompano and other
surf fish in Florida.
They seem to come and go with the seasons and also change surf positions
but  never have I seen
a shortage of them for bait.

As far as humans eating them; about the only "meat" that seems available
is when you catch roe laden females,
other than that it is a crunchy shell. I suppose there is muscle meat in
the little legs and the body but it sure dont
seem very easy to get to or appetizing.

Emilio

Andy Rindsberg wrote:

>Fabio,
>
>I have read that Emerita is used here as bait, and I have observed that
>shorebirds eat it too. Human food? Well, so far as I know, all crustaceans
>are edible unless they have been eating something nasty, but this is a
>surprise. There is not much meat on a mole crab.
>
>Oil pollution does not seem to be as significant on the Alabama coastline as
>other factors. In recent years, I have noticed an increase in the amount of
>foam on the beach and in sand samples, especially in developed areas. Some
>foam is natural, but this is new; it may be pollution from soap and
>detergents. Donax variabilis seems to like a little turbidity in the water,
>but not this. And ghost shrimps (callianassids) do not seem to like it
>either. Does this ring a bell with anyone out in Conchland?
>
>Andy
>
>Andrew K. Rindsberg
>Geological Survey of Alabama
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
>Wiggers
>Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 11:47 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Mole crabs
>
>
>Here in south Brazil, mole crabs (Emerita brasiliensis) are very common and
>abundant. Eventhough populations are seasonal, it seems that they have
>decreased in the past years. One reason for that (besides oil pollution) is
>collectin, as it is used for bait and for food (in some places).
>
>It is always nice to see an Olivancillaria vesica praying on Emerita
>brasiliensis.
>
>Regards
>Fabio Wiggers
>
>
>
>
>
>

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