Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image source

Quick facts

Animal groupCrustacean
ActivityNocturnal
Active seasonYear-round
CommonYes
Can flyNo
VenomousNo
PollinatorNo
Best timeAt low tide, especially beneath seaweed.

About Beach Flea

The beach flea is a small crustacean living among seaweed on the shore. It is an important food source for coastal birds. Beach fleas are very common along Iceland’s coastlines.

They feed on organic debris and play a key role in shoreline ecosystems.

Habitat

Seaweed along shorelines

Diet

Decaying seaweed and other organic material on the shore.

Microhabitat

Beneath seaweed and washed-up organic material on beaches.
Last verified: 08/09/2026