Where Are Sand Fleas Found?

Sand fleas are microscopic crustaceans which are found literally everywhere, but they are primarily found at the beach or in aquariums. These small creatures are hardy and scavengers which thrive in the salty ocean water and often make their way into the sand. Although they have been found far and wide, sand fleas are most commonly found in the following areas:

Beaches

Sand fleas can be found buried beneath the surface of the sand at the beach. The water in beach sand is often salty, creating the perfect habitat for these critters to survive. They are attracted to the sand and can live buried beneath the surface, where they will scavenge for food it has to offer.

Shoreline

Sand fleas also live along shorelines, especially ones with a lot of algae. Algae provide a great source of food for the sand fleas, so they are often found living in shallow water near the shore. Other ideal habitats for sand fleas include rocky coastal regions and estuaries.

Aquariums

Sand fleas are commonly found in aquariums because they provide an ideal environment for them to live, thrive and breed. Aquariums also have plenty of food sources available for them to scavenge on. In aquariums, sand fleas can be seen actively scavenging for food on the substrate, rocks and even glass walls of the aquarium. It is important to note that sand fleas can cause an imbalance in the aquarium’s ecosystem if they become too numerous.

Other Areas

Sand fleas can also be found in other areas such as man-made structures, such as docks, piers and breakwaters, as well as in swamps, marshes and lakes. They can also live in the sand on the floor of a lake or pond.

Conclusion

Sand fleas are tiny crustaceans which are found everywhere, but are most commonly found in the beach, shorelines, aquariums and other areas where there is plenty of food and saltwater for them to survive. While sand fleas are naturally beneficial to their environment, they can become a nuisance if they become too plentiful, so it is important to monitor their numbers in the areas where they are present.