Lexi Webster
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs, are the largest land-living arthropods in the world. They are found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean, including Australia's Christmas Island, where they are protected and can grow to their full potential. Coconut crabs are famous for their ability to climb trees and open coconuts, and their diet consists of fruits, nuts, and scavenged food. They are known to have a particular interest in food prepared by humans, and their impressive capabilities have been documented in several viral internet posts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Coconut crabs, Robber crabs |
| Location | Islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean |
| Largest Population | Christmas Island, Australia |
| Colour | Dark blue, sometimes with red tinges |
| Size | Up to one metre across, weighing up to 4.5kg or 9 pounds |
| Diet | Omnivorous, feeding on fruit, nuts, coconuts, scavenging, and even other coconut crabs |
| Climbing Ability | Can climb trees up to 10m |
| Behaviour | Nocturnal, active during the day when humidity levels are high, congregating to feed under fruit trees |
| Longevity | Can live up to 60 years |
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What You'll Learn
Coconut crabs on Christmas Island
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs or palm thieves, are the largest terrestrial arthropods known. They can weigh up to 4.1 kg (9 lb) and have a leg span of more than 0.91 m (3 ft). They are found on islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Christmas Island, Australia.
Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean has the largest and densest population of coconut crabs in the world. Coconut crabs were once widespread throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, mirroring the distribution of coconut palm trees. However, they are now restricted to islands scarcely inhabited by humans, where they have nocturnal and shy habits. On Christmas Island, they have developed unique behaviours, such as being active during the day when humidity levels are high and gathering to feed under fruit trees.
Coconut crabs are omnivores and feed on fleshy fruits, nuts, seeds, and the pith of fallen trees. They are famous for opening and feeding on coconuts, but this is not the main item on their diet. Opening a coconut can take several days and is usually a collective achievement. Coconut crabs also scavenge and even feed on other coconut crabs. They have an incredible ability to climb trees (up to 10 m) to reach food and to escape predators.
Coconut crabs live alone in burrows and rock crevices, depending on the local terrain. They dig their own burrows in sand or loose soil and line them with fine yet strong fibres of the coconut husk, which they use as bedding. During the day, they stay hidden to reduce water loss from heat, and they only emerge if the weather is humid or rainy, as these conditions allow them to breathe more easily.
Coconut crabs have a reputation for being mischievous and thieving. They are known to steal food, cameras, shoes, bags, and even rifles from humans. They also climb up flyscreen doors outside kitchens where food is cooking. Despite their size and strength, coconut crabs are slow-moving and placid, and they are more interested in ambushing a coconut than an eco-tourist.
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Coconut crabs in the Pacific Ocean
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs, are the largest land-living arthropods in the world. They are found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean, including Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. The largest remaining population of coconut crabs is on Christmas Island, an offshore territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean.
Coconut crabs are a species of hermit crab and are usually coloured dark blue, with some displaying red tinges that make them appear almost purple. They have two large front claws, which they use to open coconuts and lift objects as heavy as 30kg. Despite their strength, they eat mostly fruit and nuts, including coconuts, and scavenge on the bodies of dead animals. They have also been known to eat other coconut crabs and turtle hatchlings.
Coconut crabs are famous for their ability to climb trees, reaching heights of up to 10 metres. They climb trees to escape predators and to access food. However, their ability to descend from trees is not as impressive, and they often simply drop down. Coconut crabs can be found as far as 6km inland, where they burrow into sand or soil, hiding during the day and emerging at night to find food.
On Christmas Island, coconut crabs have developed unique behaviours, such as being active during the day when humidity levels are high and congregating to feed under fruit trees. They are also known for their thieving behaviour, stealing items such as cameras, shoes, camping gear, and food from unsuspecting tourists.
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Coconut crabs in the Indian Ocean
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs, are the largest land-living arthropods in the world. They are found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean. Coconut crabs are usually coloured dark blue, with some displaying red tinges that make them appear almost purple. They have two large front claws, which they use to open coconuts and lift objects as heavy as 30kg. They are omnivores, feeding on fruit, nuts, scavenging, and even other coconut crabs. They are famous for their ability to open and feed on coconuts, though this is not their primary food source. Opening a coconut can take several days and is usually a collective effort.
Coconut crabs are a species of hermit crab. As adults, they develop a hard skeleton over their entire body, though in their early life stages, they use a shell or piece of broken coral to protect their abdomen. Coconut crabs can live up to 60 years and reach sexual maturity at around five years of age. They are known to climb trees (up to 10m) to reach food and to escape predators, though their ability to descend is not as impressive, and they often simply drop down.
The largest remaining population of coconut crabs is found on Christmas Island, an offshore territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean. Coconut crabs are considered a delicacy and aphrodisiac in some cultures and have therefore been eaten to the brink of extinction in many areas. However, on Christmas Island, they are protected and can grow to their full potential. These crabs are known for their gentle nature and slow movement, and they are more interested in ambushing a coconut than humans.
Coconut crabs are a highlight for tourists visiting Christmas Island, and they are often spotted during the day when humidity levels are high and they congregate to feed under fruit trees. They have also been known to swarm campsites and picnics, attracted by the smell of food.
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Coconut crabs in Papua New Guinea
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs, are the world's largest land-living arthropods. They are found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean, including Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. They are closely related to hermit crabs and feed mainly on fruits, seeds, nuts, and the pith of fallen trees. Coconut crabs are famous for their ability to open and feed on coconuts, though this is not the main item on their diet. They have two massive front claws that enable them to open coconuts and even lift objects as heavy as 30kg.
In Papua New Guinea, coconut crabs are a part of the local culture and cuisine. They are considered a delicacy and an aphrodisiac, and as a result of overhunting, they are now restricted to islands scarcely inhabited by humans. They have become nocturnal and shy, only venturing out at night to find food. During the day, they burrow into sand or soil to hide and rest.
The coconut crab is a unique species of hermit crab in that it only uses a shell or piece of broken coral to protect its abdomen during its early life stages. As adults, they develop a hard skeleton that covers their entire body. Coconut crabs can reach sexual maturity at around five years of age and have a lifespan of up to 60 years.
Coconut crabs are known for their impressive size, with some growing up to one metre across and weighing up to 4.5kg. They are skilled at climbing trees, reaching heights of up to 10 meters, both to find food and to escape predators. However, their ability to descend from trees is not as remarkable, and they often simply drop down.
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Coconut crabs in Vanuatu
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs or palm thieves, are the largest terrestrial arthropods known, weighing up to 4.1 kg (9 lb). They are found on islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Vanuatu. Coconut crabs are a species of hermit crab, and they are famous for their ability to climb trees and feed on coconuts.
In Vanuatu, coconut crabs spend most of their time hiding out in crevices or burrows. They have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food, and their claws are incredibly strong, able to lift objects weighing up to 28 kg. They are known for stealing various items, including cutlery, crockery, and even rifles!
The lifecycle of the Vanuatu coconut crab is quite fascinating. They start their lives in the ocean, and after about a month, they return to land. The females release the hatchlings into the ocean waves, and the tiny larvae are on their own. Only a few make it back to land. As they grow, they moult their outer layer and eat their own shedded exoskeleton.
Vanuatu coconut crabs are considered a delicacy, and they are now locally extinct from Efate due to over-harvesting. Conservation management strategies have been implemented in some regions, such as minimum legal size limit restrictions and a ban on the capture of egg-bearing females.
If you're looking to try coconut crab in Vanuatu, you may be able to find it in restaurants in Port Vila (Efate). However, keep in mind that some tourists have expressed disappointment at seeing coconut crabs caged or tied up for tourist ventures. It is important to be environmentally conscious and avoid contributing to the extinction of this vulnerable species.
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Frequently asked questions
Coconut crabs, also known as robber crabs, can be found on Christmas Island, an offshore territory of Australia in the Indian Ocean.
Coconut crabs are found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean. However, Christmas Island is home to the world's largest population of coconut crabs.
Coconut crabs are considered a delicacy and aphrodisiac in some cultures and have been eaten to the brink of extinction. On Christmas Island, they are protected and can grow to their full potential.
Coconut crabs are usually coloured dark blue, and some have red tinges that make them appear purple. They have two massive front claws, so powerful they can open coconuts and lift objects as heavy as 30kg.
