Habitat: Found from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico in muddy sediments of coastal and estuary habitat

Male sand fiddler crabs have one claw that is enlarged called a chela which is used to claim and defend territory as well as mating behaviors.

Sand fiddler crabs are not recognized as threatened or endangered. 

Sand fiddler crabs are harvested for their chela which has the ability to regenerate and the claw enlargement switches to the opposite side. Many people believe that harvest is sustainable due to this regeneration but fail to recognize the natural disadvantage they have put the organism at risk by reducing its ability to protect itself against predation, other males, and attractiveness to potential mates thus reducing its natural fitness. They are also popularized by the fishing community for their value as bait.