The crab is locally known as tatus, umang, or alimangong lupa and can be found in places like the Caluya Island and Didyo Island east of Cebu City. This crab also eats leaves, rotting fruits, small animals, and turtle eggs. They are also called robber crabs or palm thieves, because when they see a shiny object like a coin or silverware, they immediately snatch and runaway with it. The coconut crab is related to the hermit crab, a marine crustacean. But unlike the hermit crab that
spends most of its life in water, the coconut crab developed a breathing organ that cannot consume oxygen in seawater.

It can grow to lengths of up to 40 centimeters, weigh up to 4 kilograms and can live for over 30 years. It has powerful claws that can lift objects weighing up to 28 kilograms, almost 7 times its weight. Its body color varies among islands, from a purple-blue to an orange-brown or red. They are also known for their red stalking eyes. The coconut crab belongs to the threatened species of animals in the Philippines where they are considered a delicacy. The crabs are hunted either during nighttime or during the day when it wanders around
searching for food. The coconut crab increases its number very slowly and unfortunately there is no national regulation regarding the hunting of these crabs.

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