Story: Crabs, rock lobsters and other crustaceans

A sand hopper

Sand hoppers are easy to find amongst patches of seaweed cast up on sandy beaches. They jump out when the seaweed is disturbed. Their bodies are flattened from side to side, and they have powerful hind legs for jumping.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Melanie Lovell-Smith

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How to cite this page

Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, Crabs, rock lobsters and other crustaceans – Lesser known groups, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8253/a-sand-hopper (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, published 2 March 2009.

Comments

Alex Vieira
28 August 2021

I photographed this little jumping crustacea called Sand Fleas in March 2011 in South Island, around Duniden, and I am looking for identify it so I can include the pic im my photo / data collection of NZ Nature Life. I can provide the photo and data. Somebody can help me please? Thanks , Alex.