Largest and Strongest Land Invertebrate Monster...

KEEPING COCONUT CRAB

"Coconut Crabs (Robber Crabs, Birgus latro)are believd to be a kind of spider", says people in the Pascific. The creature, actually belonging to land hermit crab group, suddenly attracted me. However, it will grow huge like an adults head size or a few kilograms. The shop in Tokyo told me to prepare the cage strong enough as they can destroy the bird cage easily with their claws.

>Right: Coconut Crab (Birgus latro).

A land hermit's size seems determined by the largest shell available in their habitat. Since African land snails were introduced to Japan, land hermits has become bigger according to studies. In case of coconut crab, they abandoned snail shell as necessary shelter, and developped hardened skin so that they can grow further.

Therefore, handmade cage for the creature. 60cm x 45cm x 45cm. Wood and plastic, jointed with metal parts and bolts. As the crab is known as professional tree climber, small plant pot was introduced. Wait for a while for coconut tree !

It is known as scavenger eating anything, even wondering around gabage damp in Okinawa, southern island of Japan. But I believe they love coconuts. Initial food was comercial dog food. Sorry, Coco...

In a way she looks like spider as she has huge 8 legs including claws. Close observation shows the forth leg has Y-shape divedied ends, which would be suitable to hold tree trunk when she clibms trees. How strikingly beautiful the light blue color of the dorsal side. The hart-shape chest is called "gill part", which contains breathing organ. So big that it can hold humidity to even breath on the land.

Click to view the full-size pics.


Eating dog food after breaking with claws, as crab's mouth is quite small.	Good climber, holding trunk with strong claws and legs.	"ALIEN" face

When she holds the carpet with her leg claws, you can never pick her up.	Holding tweezers	Using "palm soil" as cage mat looks fine for her.