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Horseshoe Crab

Common Name: Horseshoe Crab

Scientific Name: Limulus polyphemus

Order:Arthropoda

Range: Gulf of Maine to Gulf of Mexico

Diet: Scavenger: feeds on clams, worms and other invertebrates on the shore floor and bottom dwelling algae

Facts: 1. Closely related to Arachnids, these Arthropods are in the subphylum Chelicerata. 2. Live between 16-40 years (estimated) 3. Their blood is blue! 4. Lysate, which is extracted from their blood, is used in cancer research

Can Visitors Interact? Yes, this animal is always available to be touched.

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