Coconut CrabArticle | Updated 2 years ago Birgus latro WA Museum This photo from the WA Museum’s Aquatic Zoology Department is of Birgus latro, also known as a coconut or robber crab. Birgus latro Image copyright WA Museum Coconut crabs are large land crabs, that can climb trees and feed on coconuts. It can take several days, and often a collective effort for the crabs to open a coconut. They can weigh up to four kilograms and grow up to one metre in length from leg to leg. Coconut crabs can climb 10 metres up trees to reach food and escape predators. But coconuts aren't their only source of food. They also feed on fruit, nuts and even other coconut crabs.