The coconut crab is a giant land hermit crab of tropical islands. It has disappeared from many inhabited islands because of hunting for food.
Interesting facts
- It can climb trees and crack open coconuts with its claws.
- Adults cannot swim and would drown in the sea.
- Young crabs live in snail shells, like hermit crabs, before growing a hard body.
- It has an excellent sense of smell for finding food.
- It is also called the robber crab for stealing shiny objects.
- Christmas Island holds one of the largest populations.
Behaviour
Coconut crabs are mostly nocturnal, sheltering in burrows or rock crevices by day.
Breeding and young
Females release eggs into the sea at high tide; larvae drift for weeks before settling on shore.
Threats and conservation
Overharvesting for food and habitat loss on islands.
Where to see it
- Christmas Island, Australia
- Chagos and Seychelles
- Remote Pacific islands
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Christmas Island Red Crab Migration
