Crabs come in many shapes, sizes and levels of strength. Determining which crab is the strongest requires looking at their size, claw strength and overall power. There are a few contenders for the title of strongest crab, each with their own impressive abilities.
Key Factors in Crab Strength
When evaluating crab strength, there are three major factors to consider:
- Size – Larger crabs can generate more power in their claws.
- Claw Strength – The crushing force of the claws determines how much weight they can hold.
- Overall Power – A crab’s strength comes from the combination of size, claw strength and hardiness.
Bigger crabs have an advantage in terms of generating more claw force. However, smaller crabs can still be quite strong pound for pound by having vice-like claws and sturdy frames.
The Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab holds the record for largest leg span of any arthropod on earth. Their legs can reach up to 12 feet from claw to claw. However, they are quite spindly and not very robust in terms of their overall body construction.
Here are some key facts about the Japanese spider crab:
- Scientific Name: Macrocheira kaempferi
- Average Leg Span: 10-12 feet
- Weight: Up to 42 pounds
- Diet: Omnivore (clams, mollusks, plants)
- Habitat: Pacific Ocean around Japan
While their giant size is impressive, spider crabs do not have particularly powerful claws compared to their body size. Their claws are suited for scraping algae and combing the seafloor rather than cracking hard shells.
The Coconut Crab
The coconut crab is renowned for its crushing grip that allows it to break open coconuts. They have the strongest claws relative to body size of any crab species.
Here are the key traits of coconut crabs:
- Scientific Name: Birgus latro
- Average Leg Span: 3 feet
- Weight: Up to 9 pounds
- Diet: Omnivore (fruits, nuts, mollusks)
- Habitat: Indian and Pacific Oceans
The coconut crab’s massive claws can lift over 60 pounds. They use this tremendous pinching strength to break open coconuts and other hard-shelled food sources. Their claws are specially designed for applying focused compression force.
Coconut Crab Claw Anatomy
Here are some key anatomical features that give the coconut crab its vice-like grip:
- Hinged joints – Allow the claws to apply straight-line force
- Blunt teeth – Give them a secure hold on objects
- Calcium-reinforced pincers – Strengthen the claw tips
In laboratory tests, coconut crabs have been shown to exert force equivalent to 3,300 newtons with their claws. This incredible pinching power allows them to shred coconuts and other tough objects.
The Giant Tasmanian Crab
Endemic to the waters off Australia, the giant Tasmanian crab is noted for its thick, armor-plated shell and muscular claws. They can weigh over 9 pounds.
Here are some facts about the giant Tasmanian crab:
- Scientific Name: Pseudocarcinus gigas
- Average Leg Span: 3 feet
- Weight: Up to 9.5 pounds
- Diet: Carnivore (mollusks, smaller crabs)
- Habitat: Coastal southern Australia
The giant Tasmanian crab has a compact, powerful body and claws designed for crushing and gripping prey. Their thick carapace and short, sturdy legs give them excellent armored defense.
Giant Tasmanian Crab Strength Ratings
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Claw strength | 4/5 |
| Armored defense | 5/5 |
| Mobility | 2/5 |
| Overall power | 4/5 |
The giant Tasmanian crab excels in armor and claw strength but loses points for slow mobility. Overall, it is one of the hardiest, brawniest crabs pound for pound.
The Atlantic Goliath Crab
This monster crab inhabits the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Africa. It has an imposing appearance with a granular, spiky carapace and thick, calcified claws.
Here are some statistics on the Atlantic goliath crab:
- Scientific Name: Geryon quinquedens
- Average Leg Span: 3.5 feet
- Weight: Up to 7 pounds
- Diet: Omnivore (mollusks, algae, carrion)
- Habitat: Eastern Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic goliath crab has shorter legs than some other contenders but makes up for it with its extraordinarily tough shell and tank-like build. Pound for pound, it possesses some of the strongest claws of any crab species.
Atlantic Goliath Crab Claw Strength
Research studies have measured the claw strength of goliath crabs at around 1,000 newtons of force. This allows them to exert pressure over 5 times their own body weight. By comparison:
- Coconut crab claw force = 3,300 newtons
- Japanese spider crab claw force = 350 newtons
The Atlantic goliath crab does not quite measure up to the coconut crab in absolute terms. However, relative to their size, their claws exert tremendous strength.
Conclusion
Based on size, structural strength, claw power and other attributes, the title of strongest crab belongs to the coconut crab. They have the most powerful claws both relative to their body size and in absolute terms.
Here is a summary comparison of some top contender crabs:
| Crab Species | Weight | Leg Span | Claw Strength | Armor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Crab | 9 lbs | 3 feet | 3,300 newtons | Moderate |
| Japanese Spider Crab | 42 lbs | 12 feet | 350 newtons | Low |
| Giant Tasmanian Crab | 9.5 lbs | 3 feet | Unknown | Heavy |
| Atlantic Goliath Crab | 7 lbs | 3.5 feet | 1,000 newtons | Moderate |
In summary, while other crabs may be larger or have thicker shells, the coconut crab’s combination of sizable claws and tremendous pinching strength makes it the mightiest crab on earth.