Researchers from GITAM School of Science in Visakhapatnam recorded the first confirmed case of a horn-eyed ghost crab preying on a mottled lightfoot crab. The rare sighting happened in April during an evening visit to Rushikonda Beach. Normally found in sandy areas, the ghost crab was seen hunting a mottled lightfoot crab that lives in rocky crevices. This suggests the ghost crab may forage in rocky zones, especially at night. Harish Prakash, a GITAM University faculty member, said, "The horn-eyed ghost crab is generally restricted to sandy zones. Its possible presence within the rocky section of the intertidal area indicates a behavioural extension, likely tied to nocturnal foraging." This is the first documented case of this species hunting the mottled lightfoot crab, showing a mix of habitats where sand meets rock. The team notes that such predator-prey interactions may happen mainly in transitional areas shaped by tides and waves. Harish added, "Generalist predators, such as ghost crabs, tend to adjust their diet to the availability of prey, which varies across seasons and locations. The horn-eyed ghost crab is known for its adaptability... this instance stands apart from anything previously recorded along the Indian coast." Ghost crabs are important predators on sandy shores, influencing smaller animals and shaping the shore with their burrows. Among six ghost crab species along India’s coast, at least three occur at Rushikonda Beach. Though usually scavengers, horn-eyed ghost crabs can be apex predators, hunting clams, snails, worms, and even bird and turtle eggs in some areas. This new finding adds to our understanding of their flexible feeding habits. Environmental changes such as pollution and rising sea temperatures may push these crabs to explore new habitats. Harish said, "This single event cannot be interpreted as a long-term ecological shift, yet it raises questions about how coastal species respond to environmental disturbances." The team took care to avoid disturbing the animals, using only a headlamp and one photo. Their findings were published in the November edition of the Journal of Threatened Taxa. This research highlights the need for more studies on predator-prey interactions on India’s east coast. Such observations help scientists understand how coastal ecosystems function, showing which species dominate and how disturbances affect the food web. This glimpse into the secret world of Rushikonda’s intertidal zone may reveal more surprises in the future.