An elusive crab species found in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, has taken the internet by storm with its vibrant purple hue. Officials described it as a “precious gift from nature”, highlighting that this variation is extremely rare.
The park’s wildlife department shared a series of striking photos on social media, confirming the crabs were spotted and photographed by park rangers.
Rare purple Princess crabs have been sighted in a national park in Thailand. pic.twitter.com/fiyyRBzl6i
— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) August 13, 2025
“A Precious Gift from Nature,” Say Officials
“Officials captured the last glimpse of a ‘King Crab,’ also known as the ‘Sirindhorn Crab,’ a rare waterfall crab species. This crab, displaying its stunning white and purple colours, was a precious gift from nature,” read a part of the official Facebook post.
A Symbol of Ecosystem Health
According to the park’s post:
“The appearance of the king crab not only marks the discovery of a rare animal, but also serves as a key indicator of the health of the ecosystem in Kaeng Krachan National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The survival of this protected wildlife demonstrates the outstanding quality of the forest’s environment.”
The species, named after Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is often called the “Princess” crab or “Sirindhorn Crab.”
What Makes Purple Crabs So Rare?
Reports indicate that this species belongs to the panda crab family, typically recognized for its black-and-white markings. However, the purple variation is considered an exceptionally rare genetic occurrence.
The species was reportedly first documented in 1986 at Ngao Waterfall National Park, though some experts believe it was observed even earlier. While panda crabs themselves are uncommon, purple panda crabs are almost unheard of.
Social Media Buzz Over Stunning Discovery
The photos of the Sirindhorn crab sparked widespread excitement online. While some users called the crustaceans “stunning”, others admitted they couldn’t believe the crabs were real.
