Tiny tuna crabs, crustaceans that bear a resemblance to tiny lobsters or crawfish, have shown up in large numbers, scattered and scrambling along the shores of California's Strands Beach, Salt Creek, San Clemente, South Laguna, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, reported the OC Register.
According to experts, the crabs, which are about 1 to 3 inches in length, are usually found in Mexico's Baja Peninsula, and may have traveled north in search of the warmer waters that southern California has had over the past year, according to ABC News.
The crabs showed up in January and then again in February on Balboa Island, leaving marine scientists and beachgoers spellbound.
The tuna crabs, also known as pelagic crabs, are the latest in a series of odd sightings along the coast. In recent weeks, blue jellyfish-like creatures called "by-the-wind-sailors" were sighted, and tropical fish like yellowtail and bluefin tuna showed up earlier than usual this year, according to the Gazette.
Orange County Lifeguards Chief Jason Young said his staff has been urging people to avoid touching or taking the crustaceans from the marine-protected areas of Dana Point and Laguna Beach. They have also been educating curious beachgoers about the little critters.
