Overview

Unlike all other decapod crustaceans, hermit crabs have a soft, twisted abdomen inserted into the coil of empty seashells. They can retreat into the shell to protect themselves from predators but must change shells as they grow.

This issue feature the three hermit crabs from the genus Coenobita found on the Cocos (Keeling ) Islands. These hermit crabs spawn in the ocean but are terrestrial as adults, surviving on land by retaining moisture in their shells.

Hermit crabs prefer to hide during the day, venturing out at night to scavenge on the beach and forest floor. Large quantities of plastic debris washed up on the beaches of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands pose a real threat to these hermit crabs, which are easily trapped in containers and bottles.

Technical specifications

Issue date
8 October 2024
Issue withdrawal date
1 May 2025
Denomination
3 x $1.50
Stamp & product design
Sonia Young, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper: gummed
Tullis Russell 104gsm Red Phosphor/Blue PVA Stamp Paper
Printer
RA Printing
Printing process
Offset lithography
Stamp size (mm)
37.5 x 26
Minisheet size (mm)
135 x 80
Perforations (mm)
13.86 x 14.6
Sheet layout
Module of 50 (2 x 25 no design)
FDI Postmark
Cocos (Keeling) Islands WA 6799
FDI withdrawal date
6 November 2024

Stamps in this issue

 $1.50 Tawny Hermit Crab Coenobita rugosus

This hermit crab is the smallest of the three, at only 15 mm in length. The stamp photograph is © Ingo Arndt/NPL/Minden Pictures.

$1.50 Red Hermit Crab Coenobita perlatus

This species of hermit crab reaches around 80 mm in length.  The stamp photograph is by KF Shots. 

$1.50 Purple Hermit Crab Coenobita brevimanus

The largest of the three, this species can reach 130 mm in length. The stamp photograph is by Karen Willshaw.

Gallery

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Shop our Stamp Collectables

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs Gummed Stamp Set

Three stamps design from Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs stamp issue.

Order now
Gummed stamps - RRP: $4.50

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs Minisheet

This Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs Minisheet contains the stamp sheetlet from the stamp issue presented with a decorative background.

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Minisheet - RRP: $4.50

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs First Day Cover (Gummed)

This Gummed First Day Cover features Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs stamps and postmark on the decorative envelope.

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First Day Cover RRP: $4.80

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs First Day Cover (Minisheet)

This First Day Cover (Minisheet) features the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hermit Crabs minisheet and postmark on a decorative envelope.

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Minisheet First Day Cover RRP: $4.80

Additional collectables:

This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.