Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernCrab-eating Frog at a glance
The Crab-eating Frog (Fejervarya cancrivora) is an amphibian in the family Dicroglossidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Riau, Central Java. Diet: eater of small crabs, other crustaceans and insects; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Fejervarya cancrivora |
|---|---|
| Former scientific name | Rana cancrivora |
| Indonesian name | Kodok Sawah |
| Group | Amphibians |
| Family | Dicroglossidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Riau, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Anura |
| GBIF records | 485 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — eater of small crabs, other crustaceans and insects · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Australian Museum |
In this guide (12)
What is the Crab-eating Frog?
Crab-eating Frog refers to Fejervarya cancrivora, in the genus Fejervarya, family Dicroglossidae, and order Anura. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Crab-eating Frog?
Crab-eating frogs use brackish habitats; salinity studies document tadpole tolerance, but laboratory limits do not justify moving animals into seawater.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Crab-eating Frog?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 485 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Riau, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Crab-eating Frog?
Observe in place without moving eggs, tadpoles or frogs. Images of the body and habitat, together with date and calls, can help specialists assess an identification; common names do not establish handling safety. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Crab-eating Frog with Paddy Field Frog, Muller's Narrowmouth Frog, Hasselt's Toad. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Crab-eating Frog
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Dicroglossidae |
| Genus | Fejervarya |
| Species | Fejervarya cancrivora |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Crab-eating Frog
What is the scientific name of the Crab-eating Frog?
The scientific name of the Crab-eating Frog is Fejervarya cancrivora, in the family Dicroglossidae and the order Anura. In Indonesian it is called Kodok Sawah. A former scientific name still often used: Rana cancrivora.
What kind of animal is the Crab-eating Frog?
The Crab-eating Frog is an amphibian in the family Dicroglossidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a eater of small crabs, other crustaceans and insects.
Where does the Crab-eating Frog live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Crab-eating Frog summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Riau, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Crab-eating Frog eat?
The Crab-eating Frog is a eater of small crabs, other crustaceans and insects. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does the Crab-eating Frog reproduce?
The Crab-eating Frog reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Australian Museum.
What is the scientific classification of the Crab-eating Frog?
Scientific classification of the Crab-eating Frog: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Amphibia, order Anura, family Dicroglossidae, genus Fejervarya, species Fejervarya cancrivora.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Crab-eating Frog endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Crab-eating Frog is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Crab-eating Frog is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- Australian Museum ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Crab-eating Frog (Fejervarya cancrivora). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/fejervarya-cancrivora/