The photographer's eye

Coconut Crabs: The Pacific Aliens!

Name: Jonathan Jagot
Age: 27 years old
Specialty: Has been travelling around the world for over 14 years Project: Is going to build his dream catamaran

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Published 11/04/2025

By Jonathan Jagot

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Issue: 201

Published: may / june 2025

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Imagine a peaceful island, waves gently rolling in, bathed in golden light... and then, suddenly, night falls. That’s when they appear. Out of nowhere, with their enormous claws and twitching antennae. The coconut crabs are invading the beach, advancing like creatures from another world.

The first contact with coconut crabs is always quite startling. In the half-light, their shells glisten under the light of the headlamp, revealing hues of an almost unearthly blue. They climb the trunks as if defying gravity, their claws ready to crush everything in their path. With a shudder, you understand why they are nicknamed ‘the coconut thieves’.

These critters have the strength to open a nut with a single clamp of their claw... So imagine what they could do to a careless finger!

During the day, they hide away under the roots of the palm trees, leaving only strange tracks on the sand. But as soon as the sun goes down, it’s as if a silent army has taken over the island. They advance, relentlessly, eyeing our provisions or pilfering a piece of leftover fruit. Some sailors swear they have even seen them inviting themselves on board boats, ...

This article was published in the issue 201. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.