Horseshoe crab: A living fossil of the benthos

Saw this horseshoe crab for sale at @dallas.northaquarium and it reminded me of some interesting facts I learned in college 🤔 #horseshoecrab #fish #aquarium #pets #animals #learn #science #interestingthings #themoreyouknow #nature #biology | Dr. Rachel, Exotic Pet Vet

GIANT horseshoe crab #bodkinpointseafood #fvsoutherngirl #youaintnocrabber #Maryland #crabbing #chesapeakebay #seafoo #help | Ken Luke McFadden

It’s International Horseshoe Crab Day!! Why are Horseshoe Crabs so important? •Medical uses: The blood of horseshoe crabs contains a critical component, Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate, known as LAL. This unique compound clots when exposed to bacteria or bacterial endotoxins. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration requires all drugs intended for human consumption to be tested using LAL. Some medical equipment and devices including items such as IV tubing are also tested with LAL. Currently, scientists ha

Why do horseshoe crabs donate blood?