Fire-Crab

• Type: Magical Beast
• Ministry of Magic Classification: XXX (Competent wizard should cope) (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Native to: Fiji (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)
• Distinguishing Features: Heavily jewelled, tortoise-like shell; ability to shoot flames from its rear end.

The Fire-Crab is a large creature that strongly resembles a Muggle tortoise. Its most significant and valuable feature is its shell, which is heavily encrusted with precious jewels. This ornate shell makes the Fire-Crab a primary target for poachers, leading to a thriving black market for the creature and its shell. To protect the species from illegal trafficking, a reservation has been established in its native Fiji to monitor and conserve the population. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)

As its name suggests, the Fire-Crab's primary defensive mechanism is its ability to produce fire. When threatened, it shoots a powerful blast of flames from its rear end. Due to this dangerous capability and the value of its shell, the trade of Fire-Crabs is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Magic. A special license is required to legally export or own a Fire-Crab, a measure intended to curb poaching and ensure the creature is handled only by qualified wizards and witches. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)

While never physically encountered in the seven novels, the Fire-Crab is mentioned on two key occasions:

• In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Rubeus Hagrid tells Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger that he had considered using Fire-Crabs for the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament. He ultimately chose to use nesting mother dragons instead, believing them to be more impressive.
• In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, students taking their Care of Magical Creatures O.W.L. exam were required to answer a question asking for five distinguishing features of the Fire-Crab compared to the Moke.

The Fire-Crab serves as an important world-building element, enriching the magical zoology of the wizarding world. Its mention by Hagrid in relation to the Triwizard Tournament highlights his unique affection for dangerous creatures and gives insight into the kind of challenges the champions might have faced. Furthermore, its inclusion as a topic on the O.W.L. exams establishes it as a standard part of the magical curriculum taught at Hogwarts, adding a layer of academic realism to the narrative.

Most of the detailed information regarding the Fire-Crab's appearance, native habitat, and conservation status comes from the supplementary textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym of Newt Scamander. In the mobile game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, Fire-Crab shells are a valuable item used as a form of currency or for trade. (video game)