HCA: Hermit Crab Association

My crab named elmo just came up after Molting. It's moving and eating all is well but my question is elmo has almost like dry skin hanging on its leg almost like it didn't complete the molt is this normal? And if not what should I do?

Mine have this too, I just leave them be. It doesn't seem to bother them.

Interesting! I have a crab down molting now. I'll keep an eye out for something like that once he/she comes up. I wonder if it's just exoskeleton and they'll eat it over time?

Do you guys bath your crabs after they come up from a molt? I just got my crabs so this is my first molt but I've read that you should bath them once they come up so they don't smell "tasty" to the other crabs. Idk how true this is so I wasn't going to do it until I got more opinions on the matter here


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I haven't ever done that, I think that's for if they surface molt. Might also be outdated info, I'd wait for a moderator or more experienced crabber's response.

I wonder if it could be pieces of the exo that didn't come off all the way...?

PinchersAndShells wrote:I wonder if it could be pieces of the exo that didn't come off all the way...?

That's exactly what I was thinking. You should try to get a picture of it


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Will do - I've been pretty hands off so maybe while I do it I can also use the sizing chart on them. The only time I've really touched any for awhile was because I was replacing the SW and left the empty bowl in the tat while I made more and then came back to Dusty in the bottom of it clinging to the air stone. :roll:

I don't personally bathe them unless they get isoed, and they are being introduced to general population or I have to dig them up for an emergency (flood/etc.) and they appear active and conscious. I know there are some crabbers that choose to bathe after every molt,but I truly don't feel it's necessary unless the crab looks pale/ like it rushed to the surface, and in that instance I would iso it anyways.

Okay good to know. Thank you!


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