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Study: Coconut crab out-pinches all other crustaceans

Most famously, the crabs' powerful claws allow them to crack open coconuts.

By Brooks Hays
The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial arthropod. Photo by Shin-ichoro Oka
The coconut crab is the largest terrestrial arthropod. Photo by Shin-ichoro Oka

OKINAWA, Japan, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Keep your fingers away from coconut crabs. According to new research, the species pinches with the greatest force of all crustaceans.

Scientists measured the pinching force generated by 29 coconut crabs found on the island of Okinawa in Japan. They used the numbers to calculate the largest potential force based on the maximum size and weight of mature coconut crabs.

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Projections suggest an especially large coconut crab can generate a pinching force of 3,300 newtons. No other crustacean species can generate such tremendous force. The claws of the coconut crab even outdo the jaws of terrestrial animals. Only the alligator has a biting force greater than 3,300 newtons.

The record-breaking force is evidence of the species' extreme strength. As revealed by a new study, published this week in the journal PLOS ONE, coconut crabs can lift up to 62 pounds.

Coconut crabs are the largest crustacean on land. They use their claws for protection and to fight rivals and would-be predators. Most famously, their powerful claws allow them to crack open coconuts, though the crabs more frequently eat fallen fruits, nuts and seeds.

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