Crab Mites

For the discussion of any creepy crawlies that may have taken up residence in your tank, including mites. Please note that isopods have their own forum.
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1Meerkat1Maniac1
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Crab Mites

Post by 1Meerkat1Maniac1 » Tue Aug 03, 2021 12:54 pm

I am pretty positive my crab has the mites that are harmful. They are not around it's food and I only find them when they come out of its shell after being submerged in water. I have been trying to get rid of them for months. When going online it says to submerge the crab in water and they'll wash out. I do this but they never seem to end. He's been in an iso tank for 2 months, no sand, just paper towels and regular crab stuff like food, salt water bowl, fresh water bowl, and a place to hide. I clean regularly but I still can't get rid of them. I think it's the shell, which is very cone shape and I'm not sure it's filling up to wash them out. The crab won't change shells so I'm not sure. Please help I do know what to do at this point.

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curlysister
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Re: Crab Mites

Post by curlysister » Tue Aug 03, 2021 10:25 pm

Are you able to post a photo showing the mites?
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1Meerkat1Maniac1
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Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2021 12:47 pm
Location: NE

Re: Crab Mites

Post by 1Meerkat1Maniac1 » Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:51 am

This one came out of the crab's shell today when I was soaking it... again. https://photos.app.goo.gl/yJB1EnsaAhwewCM39 ... I'm not sure I got the photo to work. It's small and white and looks like a mini tick.

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JoeHermits
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Re: Crab Mites

Post by JoeHermits » Wed Aug 04, 2021 1:17 pm

Are you seeing them on weak spots such as the eyes, joints, and mouthparts? If they’re parasitic that’s where they’ll be.


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curlysister
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Re: Crab Mites

Post by curlysister » Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:59 pm

Are the mites also in the tank substrate and food?
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wodesorel
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Re: Crab Mites

Post by wodesorel » Thu Aug 05, 2021 8:14 am

Not a mite, this has a head and six legs so it's an insect. Likely booklice or springtail, they'll hang out on and in crab shells. I've had them before, they aren't harmful!
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