‘Mini-volcanoes’ appear on beaches due to ghost shrimp

Unusual Phenomena Play Vital Role in Tidal Ocean Ecosystem

Sand mounds resembling miniature volcanoes have appeared along the shores of Texas Gulf Coast beaches in the United States, and experts explain that the mounds play a vital role in the ocean ecosystem. According to Quintana Beach County Park, the mini-volcanoes are created by ghost shrimp.

Officials at Quintana Beach County Park, located about 70 miles south of Houston, shared video footage of tiny piles of sand with a hole at the top, explaining the appearance of the strange mounds.

They were caused by “extremely low tides,” Quintana Beach County Park officials said.

Unusual sand mounds, comparable in size and shape to anthills, have appeared along the shores of the Texas Gulf. Glass shrimp, known as ghost shrimp, are most often seen at the water’s edge, burrowing into the sediment and collecting bits of food. They reach 3-4 inches in length and can dig burrows up to 4 feet deep. Beach staff said the shrimp play an important role in the tidal ecosystem because they “carry oxygen into the sand.”

“They are an important part of intertidal ecosystems because when they burrow into the sand, they release oxygen, which helps organic matter decompose, enriching the sediments and ultimately providing food for more creatures,” the team explains.

According to a report from Quintana Beach County Park, the shrimp were discovered in the 1800s and were most commonly used to feed other animals.

The burrows they dig are also used as a source of protection for the creatures’ soft, fragile bodies.

The National Park Service said four “different species” of ghost shrimp, which are commonly found in Gulf of Mexico waters, have been discovered.

“Although they look similar to shrimp, they are actually more closely related to crabs,” the National Park Service said.

Fishermen are also known to catch shrimp to use as bait, but they are only allowed to catch 20 shrimp per day.

Even with this restriction, some national parks and beaches strictly prohibit catching these shrimp. Birds also eat crustaceans from the ground as a natural food source.

Interestingly, shrimp, which release oxygen into sediment, can survive without it for up to six days. And tiny volcano-like structures that create a jagged appearance along sandy beaches appear at low tide.

In addition to being found on beaches like the one in Texas, ghost shrimp are also kept as pets that can be kept in freshwater aquariums.

Crustaceans are also capable of scouring aquariums for food, scraps and algae, according to an aquarium owner’s manual.