“There is a land crab that you can figure generally on being twice as big as your head. These creatures have very powerful claws and they can open a coconut by crushing the shell. They are also delicious to eat, but should they find their way into your bed, you would be advised to leave immediately. They will fasten onto whatever part of the body is available and their grip can only be released by tickling their behinds.” explains Marlon Brando, in his notes for his atoll, Tetiaroa.
This excerpt from M.B’s notes for his atoll, Tetiaroa, is a perfect summary of what characterizes a coconut crab. The most striking thing about these crabs is how big they can grow, which gives them the distinction of being the largest land crabs in the world. The biggest coconut crab ever recorded had a 1m (3ft) leg span and weighed 4 kg. They are also extremely powerful, their claws are strong enough to cut open a coconut to eat it, hence their name.