Food Vlogger Dies After Eating ‘Devil Crab’ on Camera

A shocking social media stunt has turned deadly.

Filipino food vlogger Emma Amit has died after eating one of the most toxic crabs in the Indo-Pacific region for a viral video. She was 51.

According to local reports, Amit filmed herself catching, cooking, and eating a poisonous crab known locally as the “Devil Crab” just days before her death. The species, scientifically called Zosimus aeneus, is widely considered the most dangerous crab in the Philippines — and experts warn it can kill within hours.

A Deadly Meal for Views

On Feb. 4, Amit posted footage of herself gathering shellfish near her seaside home in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. In the clip, she appears calm and cheerful as she prepares the crab in a pot, then eats it on camera.

But what followed was anything but routine.

Barangay Chief Laddy Gemang told Philippine outlet ABS-CBN that Amit lost consciousness shortly after consuming the crab. She was rushed to the hospital but died two days later, on Feb. 6.

Even more heartbreaking: a friend who also ate the crab reportedly died as well.

Officials later visited Amit’s home and discovered seven crab shells at the residence, according to ABS-CBN.

Why Is the ‘Devil Crab’ So Dangerous?

The Zosimus aeneus contains a powerful mix of toxins that attack the nervous system. Health authorities say roughly half of documented poisoning cases are fatal. The crab is found throughout the Indo-Pacific and is often brightly colored — a warning sign in nature that it’s toxic.

Despite this, it can be mistaken for edible reef crabs by inexperienced foragers.

Local officials are now urging residents to stay alert.

“Be careful not to eat this devil crab because it is deadly,” Gemang warned. “It is very dangerous to eat this type of crab because it can kill you in a matter of hours.”

Amit frequently shared videos of fishing trips with her husband and preparing fresh seafood for her family. Her content focused on coastal living, home-cooked meals, and local catches — making the tragedy even more difficult for followers to process.

Authorities have not released additional details, and investigations are ongoing.

What began as a viral food challenge ended in unimaginable loss — and a sobering reminder that not everything caught on camera is safe to consume.