Sunday, August 28, 2011

Giant Coconut Crab


It is sometimes called the robber crab because some coconut crabs are rumored to steal shiny items such as pots and silverware from houses and tents.

The coconut crab is a large edible land crab related to the hermit crab, and are found in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. They eat coconuts for a living! How would you like to be on an island and come across a crab that is more than 3 feet from head to tail and weighs up to 40 pounds, with a pair of large pincers strong enough to open coconuts! They can climb trees too, but they only eat coconuts that have already fallen to the ground. Coconut crab meat has been considered a local delicacy.

5339709060290041698They are sold as pets in markets like Tokyo, but I find it hard to believe people would want such a creature in their houses. It’s not only their appearance and size, but also their strength. If you’re not careful, a Coconut Crab could easily crush one of your limbs. Just think, if it can crush a coconut, what could it do to your arm.

5339708897915599538Image Source: flickr

5339708892592778882
5339708889621646482
5339708890540853074
5339708881820500770
5339708563770670898
5339708557170471138
5339708558301838610
5339708549163201842
5339708544078135314
5339708352587766018
5339708350294615586
5339708345830906818
5339708345002555410
5339708338228671682
5339709057857713762
5339709056842586434