Can You Keep a Coconut Crab As a Pet?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 10, 2020

|Coconut crabs are sold as pets in Japan and Germany. They are the largest land-dwelling arthropod in the world, and therefore require caution when handling. They also require lots of supervision. Owners must maintain specific temperatures in the coconut crab’s cage at all time.

Though they are not much different in size from hermit crabs as juveniles, adult coconut crabs can weigh up to 9 pounds. Their leg span grows as wide as 3 feet. They are agile climbers and have large, strong pincers. Cages meant for holding a coconut crab should be sturdy and large to prevent escape. Thirty-six inches of surface material should be kept on the bottom of the cage to allow the crab to burrow during the day.