Mammals
Crab-eating Macaque
Macaca fascicularis · also called long-tailed macaque
On a mangrove shore at low tide, a crab-eating macaque turns over a stone, picks out a crab, and cracks it open, then wades into the water and swims away.
Overview
The crab-eating macaque, Macaca fascicularis, is an Endangered monkey of the coasts, mangroves, and riverbanks of Southeast Asia. Its swimming, stone-tool use, and ease around people make it one of the most familiar and most debated macaques, since it is also heavily used in research.
A monkey at the water’s edge
Few primates are as comfortable in water as this one, which dives, swims, and wades in search of crabs, shellfish, and fruit.
Status
Endangered, with a decreasing population.
Crab-eating Macaque: common questions
Why is it called the crab-eating macaque?
It forages along coasts and riverbanks, where it eats crabs and other shellfish.
Can the crab-eating macaque swim?
Yes, it is a strong swimmer and will dive and swim underwater to cross water or reach food.
Does the crab-eating macaque use tools?
Some populations use stone tools to crack open shellfish and nuts on the shore.
Is the crab-eating macaque endangered?
Yes, it is Endangered because of habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the trade in research animals.