Where Can I Buy a Coconut Crab? A Guide to Purchasing the World’s Largest Land Crab Responsibly
The coconut crab, also known as the robber crab or palm thief, is the largest land-living arthropod in the world With leg spans over 3 feet wide and weights exceeding 9 pounds, these massive crustaceans astound people with their incredible size and tree-climbing abilities But where can you actually purchase one of these magnificent creatures? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about buying a coconut crab ethically and legally.
Found on islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, coconut crabs have a highly unique lifestyle. They belong to the hermit crab family but grow to tremendous proportions. As juveniles, they inhabit seashells. But upon reaching adulthood, they develop a tough abdominal shell and live entirely on land.
Coconut crabs get their name from their ability to climb palm trees and crack open coconuts with their massive pincers. They also forage for fruits, nuts, seeds, and even carrion on the forest floor. With their colossal claws, they can break open just about anything!
These crabs grow very slowly, taking over 5 years to attain full maturity. They tend to be solitary and roam large home ranges. Due to habitat destruction and over-hunting, their populations have declined significantly in recent decades. The IUCN Red List classifies them as Data Deficient.
Where Can You Buy a Live Coconut Crab?
Coconut crabs can only be wild-caught from their native islands, as commercial breeding has not been successfully established. So obtaining one requires finding a specialized supplier. Here are some options:
Local Markets – In parts of the Pacific where coconut crabs are a traditional food source, like the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, they may be available for purchase in local markets. This allows for crabs sustainably harvested by communities.
Online Retailers – Some online exotic pet retailers source coconut crabs directly from Pacific islands. Big Apple Herp, for example, gets periodic shipments. Be sure to ask about their sustainability practices.
Direct from Pacific Exporters – Niche export companies in Fiji, Vanuatu, etc. can provide captive-bred crabs, although supply is limited. Work with ethical exporters like Crab Company Fiji.
Pricing and Legality
Due to the difficulties of collecting them sustainably, coconut crabs are extremely expensive, ranging from $500 to $1,500 depending on size. Certain locales may also require permits to own them as pets. Be sure to research regulations in your area.
Purchasing Your Coconut Crab Ethically
With coconut crabs being Data Deficient and facing threats, it is vital to source them through reputable sellers who use humane and sustainable collection practices. Avoid buying from unknown suppliers, as you cannot verify if they were legally captured. Always inquire about how the animal was collected, handled, and transported.
By following these tips, you can add one of these captivating creatures to your home responsibly. While purchasing a coconut crab is no small endeavor, their rarity and fascination make them highly sought-after by exotic pet collectors. Just be sure to provide proper care and a large, enriched habitat for your new giant land crab to thrive.
Gastronomic and cultural value
Coconut crabs are considered a delicacy in many coastal regions. They are valued for their sweet, tender meat, which is often compared to lobster in flavor and texture. The meat can be prepared in a variety of ways, from grilling and steaming to curries, highlighting its rich taste. They are also important in traditional recipes and methods of preparation that have been passed down through generations.
What to do with the shell
The hard, durable shell of the coconut crab can be used in several ways:
- Crafts and decor: The shells can be used in art and home decor projects. Once cleaned and dried, the shells can be painted or carved.
- Luminaries: The shells can be transformed into unique luminaries. Carving designs into the shell and adding a candle or LED light inside creates a stunning display piece.
- Jewelry: Smaller pieces of coconut crab shells can be crafted into jewelry. Necklaces and earrings made from shell pieces offer a coastal-inspired fashion statement.
- Garden ornaments: Due to their size, coconut crab shells can be used in gardens as ornaments or planters. The shells can be filled with soil and plants.
- Musical instruments: Coconut crab shells can also be used to make traditional musical instruments. Drums and rattles made from the shells produce unique sounds for music performances.
- Educational displays: Their large size makes them ideal for educational purposes. They are used in schools, museums, and aquariums to teach about marine life and ecosystems.
In some cultures, the meat itself is prepared using methods that are preferred by the locals. They are also sometimes prepared in soups or eaten fresh with lime, which is the preferred method of preparation for many.
The Colossal Coconut Crab | South Pacific | BBC Earth
FAQ
Where can I find a coconut crab?
Coconut crabs are found across the Indo-Pacific, from islands off the coast of Africa near Zanzibar to the Gambier Islands in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. They’re typically found in coastal forests with plenty of rock crevices and soil for digging burrows.
Are coconut crabs legal in the US?
Long story short, someone showed me a coconut crab for sale and the wikipedia says it’s a threatened species. Endangered Species Act says possessing a threatened species is a Class C Felony.
How to get coconut crabs?
Coconut Crab (Birgus Latro)
Catch crabs at night around coconut tree groves with a flashlight. Step on their backs and grab from behind so that the front claws cannot reach the fingers.
Where can I buy coconut crabs?
Here are some top places to purchase coconut crabs: Big Apple Herp – A major online exotic retailer that gets periodic shipments of coconut crabs sustainably sourced from the Pacific Islands. Local pet stores – Some specialty exotic pet stores work with niche suppliers to source coconut crabs. Check stores near you.
Are coconut crabs expensive?
Due to the costs and challenges of collecting coconut crabs, they are one of the most expensive pets you can buy. Here are some typical price ranges: Larger, older crabs tend to cost more. Prices also vary based on the source and availability. Expect to pay a premium for captive bred specimens, which are rare.
Is coconut crab legal?
The legal status of buying and consuming coconut crab varies by location. It’s important to check the local regulations and restrictions regarding the harvest, sale, and consumption of coconut crab in your area. In some regions, coconut crab may be protected or subject to seasonal harvesting restrictions.
How can we conserve coconut crabs?
One feasible way of conserving coconut crabs is by controlling the market through quotas placed on collectors from different areas. Restricting sales to two fish markets may be generalized to include all sales of crabs to achieve this.
Is coconut crab protected?
In some regions, coconut crab may be protected or subject to seasonal harvesting restrictions. What is the nutritional value of coconut crab? Coconut crab is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, copper, and selenium.
Is coconut crab good for You?
Coconut crab is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, copper, and selenium. It’s a nutritious and delicious addition to a balanced diet, offering a unique flavor and texture that seafood enthusiasts appreciate. Where to buy canned flaked coconut?