The tiny, blood-drawing crustaceans hiding in the wet sand

Beware of Flesh-Eating Sand Piranhas at the Beach | Deep Look · 3:50 · Video: Deep Look · Watch at the source

In short: A visit to the beach might involve more than just sun and surf. This video reveals the microscopic world of Excirolana chiltoni, tiny crustaceans known as sand piranhas that can nibble at your feet and draw blood.

Often referred to as sand piranhas, Excirolana chiltoni are small crustaceans that inhabit the wet sand of various coastlines. They are found along the shores of Japan, as well as the Pacific coasts of Canada and the United States.

While they are tiny, their behavior can be disruptive to beachgoers, as they are known to nibble at skin and cause bleeding if you spend time in their habitat.

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