Habitat: found from Block Island, Rhode Island to Santa Catarina, Brazil, on Fernando de Noronha and Bermuda
Status: No Conservation Concerns
Quietly digging away on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean’s coastline are these “occult, secretive alien[s] from the ancient depths of the sea[1],” or Atlantic Ghost Crabs (Ocypode quadrata), as they are otherwise commonly referred to. They get their name from their ability to almost turn invisible, blending into their sandy backdrops with their excellent coloration. 

Those eyes are pretty extraterrestrial-esque. They’re held up high on swiveling stalks which allow its compound eyes to see 360.˚ Nothing gets by these guys. Not even a rambunctious dachshund puppy looking for a playmate: