Page 66 - It Can't Be True! Animals! - Unbelievable Facts About Amazing Animals (DK)
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Which crab is
the biggest?
On land, the coconut crab is
the world’s largest crab and
biggest invertebrate. It also has
the most powerful grip
in the animal kingdom.
Colossal coconut crabs inhabit many
islands in the Indian and Pacific
oceans. The adult coconut crab
only goes into the sea to lay
eggs. Crab larvae hatch
and stay underwater
for 20–30 days before
moving onto land. The leg span of these
gigantic crustaceans can
be more than 1 m (3 ft), while
their bodies may measure up
to 40 cm (16 in) long.
COCONUT CRACKER
A coconut
crab can easily
wrap its giant
legs around a
basketball.
Six strong, jointed legs help the
As their name suggests, coconut crab to climb trees and harvest
crabs eat coconuts. Their huge coconuts. A pair of tiny rear legs
pincers crack open the tough is concealed in the shell.
husks to reach the flesh inside.
066-067_310219_Biggest_crab.indd 66 14/10/2019 12:39
