The animal with the strongest grip strength, relative to its size, is the coconut crab.
Coconut Crab Grip Strength Explained
The coconut crab ( Birgus latro) boasts an incredibly powerful grip, exceeding that of most other animals, even those much larger in size. A study published in PLOS ONE demonstrated that their grip strength correlates with their body mass.
- Absolute Grip Strength: The maximum recorded grip strength of a coconut crab was an astounding 1765 Newtons (396 lbs).
- Relative Strength: While larger animals like lions and bears possess stronger absolute grip forces, the coconut crab's grip is exceptionally strong considering its relatively small size.
- Grip Compared to Humans: The average human grip strength is around 300-500 Newtons, meaning the coconut crab can generate several times more force.
Why Such a Strong Grip?
Several factors contribute to the coconut crab's remarkable grip strength:
- Lifestyle: Coconut crabs are terrestrial hermit crabs found on islands throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Their strong grip allows them to climb trees (including coconut palms, hence their name) to find food and avoid predators.
- Diet: They are known for their ability to crack open coconuts to access the flesh inside, necessitating a powerful grip. They also eat fruits, seeds, carrion, and even other crabs.
- Claws: The anatomy of their claws is specifically adapted for generating immense force.
Grip Strength Comparison (Approximate)
| Animal | Grip Strength (Newtons) |
|---|---|
| Coconut Crab | Up to 1765 |
| Human | 300-500 |
| Lion | ~600 |
Note: Grip strength measurements can vary based on methodology and individual animal size.
