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Fisheries Research Institute Releases 2,000 Juvenile Horseshoe Crabs to Support Conservation of the “Living Fossil”
- PostDate：2025-11-11
In recognition of International Horseshoe Crab Day on June 20, the Fisheries Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture released 2,000 artificially bred juvenile tri-spined horseshoe crabs in Huxi Township, Penghu County on June 20, 2025. The release aims to support conservation efforts and enhance wild population recovery.
The Fisheries Research Institute noted that the tri-spined horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), also known as the Chinese horseshoe crab, has existed for more than 400 million years and is therefore widely referred to as a “living fossil.” Its blue blood contains compounds capable of detecting bacterial endotoxins, giving it significant biomedical value. However, prolonged harvesting pressure and habitat degradation have led to a marked decline in population numbers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the species as Endangered in 2019. At present, Kinmen County and Lienchiang County have implemented strict prohibitions on harvesting tri-spined horseshoe crabs. In addition, the Penghu County Government announced in 2022 that harvesting is prohibited year-round unless special approval is granted for specific purposes, including academic research, education, cultural use, or resource surveys. These measures are intended to protect the species and support its recovery.
The Fisheries Research Institute further explained that tri-spined horseshoe crabs primarily inhabit shallow coastal areas with sandy substrates. Adult females are generally larger than males, and males often attach to the dorsal carapace of females, forming a characteristic “paired attachment” behavior. In local communities, this behavior has led to the species being referred to as “husband-and-wife fish” or “mandarin duck fish.” Horseshoe crabs undergo multiple molts during development, with each molt marking progression to the next instar stage. Research indicates that male typically require approximately 13 years and 16 molts to reach sexual maturity, whereas females require around 14 years and 17 molts to reach sexual maturity. This extended growth underscores the species' vulnerability and the importance of long-term conservation measures.
The Penghu Fisheries Biology Research Center of the Fisheries Research Institute has long been engaged in the conservation and aquaculture research of the tri-spined horseshoe crab. Researchers have developed key techniques covering the domestication of wild individuals, natural spawning, and juvenile rearing. The Center has also recorded captive horseshoe crabs reaching the sixteenth instar, representing a notable milestone in conservation research. Since 2006, the Center has implemented ongoing field release programs for juvenile horseshoe crabs. Each year, artificially bred juveniles at the first to third instar stages are released into suitable habitats to support natural population recovery.
The Fisheries Research Institute reported that artificial breeding and release programs have contributed to increases in wild populations. The Institute has also collaborated with local communities, religious organizations, and conservation groups to promote environmental education. These efforts have broadened public participation, improved awareness of the ecological importance of the tri-spined horseshoe crab, and encouraged collective action toward its conservation.
The Fisheries Research Institute noted that the tri-spined horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), also known as the Chinese horseshoe crab, has existed for more than 400 million years and is therefore widely referred to as a “living fossil.” Its blue blood contains compounds capable of detecting bacterial endotoxins, giving it significant biomedical value. However, prolonged harvesting pressure and habitat degradation have led to a marked decline in population numbers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the species as Endangered in 2019. At present, Kinmen County and Lienchiang County have implemented strict prohibitions on harvesting tri-spined horseshoe crabs. In addition, the Penghu County Government announced in 2022 that harvesting is prohibited year-round unless special approval is granted for specific purposes, including academic research, education, cultural use, or resource surveys. These measures are intended to protect the species and support its recovery.
The Fisheries Research Institute further explained that tri-spined horseshoe crabs primarily inhabit shallow coastal areas with sandy substrates. Adult females are generally larger than males, and males often attach to the dorsal carapace of females, forming a characteristic “paired attachment” behavior. In local communities, this behavior has led to the species being referred to as “husband-and-wife fish” or “mandarin duck fish.” Horseshoe crabs undergo multiple molts during development, with each molt marking progression to the next instar stage. Research indicates that male typically require approximately 13 years and 16 molts to reach sexual maturity, whereas females require around 14 years and 17 molts to reach sexual maturity. This extended growth underscores the species' vulnerability and the importance of long-term conservation measures.
The Penghu Fisheries Biology Research Center of the Fisheries Research Institute has long been engaged in the conservation and aquaculture research of the tri-spined horseshoe crab. Researchers have developed key techniques covering the domestication of wild individuals, natural spawning, and juvenile rearing. The Center has also recorded captive horseshoe crabs reaching the sixteenth instar, representing a notable milestone in conservation research. Since 2006, the Center has implemented ongoing field release programs for juvenile horseshoe crabs. Each year, artificially bred juveniles at the first to third instar stages are released into suitable habitats to support natural population recovery.
The Fisheries Research Institute reported that artificial breeding and release programs have contributed to increases in wild populations. The Institute has also collaborated with local communities, religious organizations, and conservation groups to promote environmental education. These efforts have broadened public participation, improved awareness of the ecological importance of the tri-spined horseshoe crab, and encouraged collective action toward its conservation.