Coconut crab
ExploreInvertebrate
Coconut crab
Birgus latro
Coconut crabs are the largest land crabs in the world! They love to climb trees and can crack open coconuts to eat. These clever crabs are great at finding food and are very strong.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Coconut crab is a robust animal with a hardened, plated body that can range in color from deep purple to reddish-orange or light brown. It has a distinctive pair of oversized, powerful forelimbs used for grasping and breaking, making it visually distinct from most other land mammals.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderDecapodaFamilyCoenobitidaeGenusBirgus
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Born tiny, it can grow as heavy as a bowling ball in its long life!
Despite its name, it hunts and eats small animals, not just coconuts!
It uses discarded coconut husks or shells as a temporary shelter or home!
This crab can snap coconuts with incredible force, strong enough to break bones!
Special abilities
Ability
Coconut Cracker
Coconut crab can crack open tough coconuts with its incredibly powerful forelimbs that help them access the nutritious meat inside.
Ability
Tree Climber
Coconut crab has strong, sharp claws and gripping feet that help them effortlessly climb tall palm trees to find food or escape predators.
Ability
Scent Seeker
Coconut crab can detect the smell of food from a great distance because of its highly developed olfactory sense that helps them locate hidden meals.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 30-60 cm
- Weight
- 5-10 kg
- Lifespan
- 40-60 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Litter Size
- 2-4
- Gestation
- 60-90 days
Diet & Feeding
An omnivore, the Coconut crab eats coconuts, fruits, nuts, and even finds other dead animals.
Primary Foods
- coconuts
- fallen fruits
- nuts
- carrion
- small animals
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Also known as
Palm ThiefRobber Crab
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Watch from a distance and don't try to touch them, as they can pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Coconut crab?
30-60 cm
How much does Coconut crab weigh?
5-10 kg
How long does Coconut crab live?
40-60 years
How fast can Coconut crab move?
8 km/h
What does Coconut crab eat?
An omnivore, the Coconut crab eats coconuts, fruits, nuts, and even finds other dead animals.
Where is Coconut crab usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Coconut crab hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Coconut crab usually have?
2-4
Snap Map
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