Coconut Crab
(Krab kokonas, Birgus lato, Robber Crab, Palm Thief, )
Although its name is suggestive of a coconut-infused dish, coconut crab is actually a species of hermit crab that lives in the Vanuatu archipelago. Considered a delicacy in Vanuatu, the crab came to be known as coconut crab because coconuts are one of the primary sources of food for this decapod crustacean.
It also feeds on other types of food, including tropical fruits and decaying animal carcasses, among others. Apart from being the largest land crab on the planet, this crab has also been found to have the strongest grip as well. The crab is known to shed the outer layer and experience hardening of its entire body through re-calcification.
Coconut crabs do not have a recognizable shell coloring and can be found in various colors such as dark purple, vibrant blue, orange-red, brown, or even a mix of yellow, red, and blue shades. Notorious for their habit of stealing pots and pans as well as other household items, these crabs are commonly dubbed robber crabs.
Threatened of going extinct due to over-harvesting, coconut crabs may live well over 50 years, and they typically live a solitary life, hiding in crevices or burrows.
