The Kongs encounter three Krunchas in Gangplank Galley, the first level to feature Krunchas
In their debut appearance, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Krunchas slowly move back and forth while swinging their muscles. Their muscular body protects from Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong's jumping and roll attacks. If the Kongs attempt either attack on a Kruncha, it turns bright red in anger, lets out a roar, and moves around faster. After a while, the Kruncha reverts to its normal state. If a Kong gets hit by a Kruncha, regardless of its status, the player loses that Kong.
Krunchas can be defeated by either an Animal Friend, by throwing an object (such as a crate or barrel) at it, while under the effects of an Invincibility Barrel, or by using a Team-up throw. If the Kruncha is red, it is invulnerable to Team-up throw, and if a Kong is thrown at a red Krusha, that Kong is defeated.
Krunchas have an uncommon, light pink variant that only appears in two levels: Castle Crush and Clapper's Cavern. They are mostly the same as the normal Krunchas, except that they walk off of platforms, and move even faster when angered.
In the Game Boy Advance version, the Kongs can also defeat a Kruncha by jumping on it while using Team-up. A photograph of Kruncha can be obtained in Red-Hot Ride, and it appears under the second page of the scrapbook.
In the ending Cast of Characters, a Kruncha appears under the Kremling Kuthroats category.
In Donkey Kong Land 2, Krunchas act the same as in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, though due to the Game Boy's monochromatic screen, they no longer have color variants.
Turn Ons: Barbells, washboard abs, feeling the burn.
Turn Offs: Yogurt, quiche, people who hog the mirror at the gym.
Favorite Quote: I'll be back.
Favorite Video: Anything with Schwarzenegger in it.
Favorite Song: Macho Man
Tips and Secrets: Kruncha is invulnerable to Diddy's and Dixie's attacks. Hitting him only makes him mad, and if he turns red, a mere touch will make you lose a life. Use barrels or chests to send him packing.