In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question ‘ can you eat Christmas island red crabs?” with an in-depth analysis of Christmas Island red crabs. Moreover, we will discuss what are Christmas Island red crabs, their appearance, species, and four incredible Christmas island red crabs facts.
Can you eat Christmas island red crabs?
Red crabs from Christmas Island are not edible. They’re not the kind of crabs you’d find in a seafood restaurant. The meat of red crabs is made up of 96% water and does not have a pleasant flavor, hence they are not regarded as safe to eat. Their flesh is extremely white, and their bodies have a distinct red tint that resembles that of a lobster.
What are Christmas island red crabs?
Christmas Island red crabs, scientifically known as Gecarcoidea Natalis, are a land crab species native to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, Australia. These crabs are well-known for their annual migration, in which millions of them migrate from land to sea to mate and lay their eggs.
Red crabs from Christmas Island are large crabs with bodies averaging 4.6 inches in length. They are usually brilliant crimson in color. They are also available in orange and purple colors. To avoid drying out, these crabs breathe through their gills and avoid coming into touch with direct sunshine.
Four Incredible Christmas Island Red Crab Facts!
Here are some fascinating facts about the red crab on Christmas Island:
- Although the Christmas Island Red Crab is a terrestrial crab, it still needs to stay moist because it breathes through its gills. If it dries out, it will perish.
- Christmas Island and Cocos Island are the only places where they can be found. They are endemic, which means they can be found nowhere else on the planet.
- The Australian government has created bridges and tunnels for migrating crabs to pass safely in order to prevent them from getting run over and having their tires punctured. Cars are simply not allowed on the road during the crab’s migration in several regions.
- During the rainy season, the weather is critical to migration. If the weather is too dry, the crabs may delay their journey from the forest to the coast for another month.
Christmas Island Red Crab Species
The Gecarcoidea Natalis crab is the sole one of its kind. Despite the fact that a population on Cocos Island has been created, both populations are regarded to be of the same species.
Christmas Island Red Crabs and Humans
Christmas Island is a small island off the coast of New Zealand During their annual migration, red crabs pass through the highways. Red crabs’ hard exoskeletons can puncture wheels, and if they come under a car, they can be crushed and perish. Crab barriers have been installed to divert crabs to safe pathways and bridges.
Because the red crabs on Christmas Island are protected by law and people are more aware of their plight, drivers are more considerate of them during their migration time.
Appearance
With a shell, almost five inches broad and a weight of just over a pound, the Christmas Island red crab is considered a huge crab. The majority of these crabs have a bright, eye-catching red color, while some have been orange or, on rare occasions, purple. Males are larger than females, but males have smaller abdomens.
The crab has ten legs, as the name of its order Decapoda suggests. The eight smaller legs, four on each side of the shell, have evolved into big claws called chelae, and the two front legs have grown into gigantic claws called chelae. Unlike some other crabs, the red crab’s chelae are all the same size unless one is missing and growing back. Female chelae are often smaller than male chelae.
Are red crabs on Christmas Island carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores?
Red crabs from Christmas Island are omnivores. They’ll consume anything they can digest, including fruit, leaves, seeds, carrion, human garbage, and even their own young.
What do Christmas Island Red Crabs eat?
Red crabs on Christmas Island eat whatever they can catch, ingest, and digest. Plant and animal matter, including African land snails, are included. They scavenge as well.
Is it possible to eat Christmas Island Red Crabs?
Red crabs from Christmas Island are not considered edible.
Why do red crabs on Christmas Island consume their young?
Because red crabs on Christmas Island are hungry, they devour their offspring, which are easy to catch and eat.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answer the question “ can you eat Christmas island red crabs?” with an in-depth analysis of Christmas Island red crabs. Moreover, we discuss what are Christmas Island red crabs, their appearance, species, and four incredible Christmas island red crabs facts.