Introduced 2 new crabs to my tank now an original crabbie is

[Latoshia]

I introduced 2 slightly larger crabs to my tank last wed. Have not seen one of my original crabs since then. The other 3 seem to be doing just fine but i cannot find Mr. Krabbs anywhere. Ive even set my alarm to get up in the middle of the night. The others come out at varying times but no Mr. Krabbs. Im not sure what to think or what i can do. Im new to hermit crabs so ive never dealt with a molt so i have no clue if maybe he went down to molt?

[GotButterflies]

He could have gone down to destress. Is your tank big enough to inhabit the two new crabs that you introduced? Also, the pecking order will change, so adding new inhabitants changes the tank dynamics, which leads to stress. Give him time and leave him alone.

Edit: Just watch out for any signs of aggression or any distressed chirping.

[Latoshia]

He could have gone down to destress. Is your tank big enough to inhabit the two new crabs that you introduced? Also, the pecking order will change, so adding new inhabitants changes the tank dynamics, which leads to stress. Give him time and leave him alone.

Edit: Just watch out for any signs of aggression or any distressed chirping.

I have a 29 gal tank for the 4 of them. Ill wait and see if he comes back up, ive just been worried not seeing him when before he was out every night.

[GotButterflies]

Okay...sounds good. I personally like 1 crab per 5 gallons, so you are good in my book for crabby room. Try not to worry. Did you dip the new crabbies in the fresh water of your tank before you put them in? That way they smell like your tank.

[Latoshia]

Okay...sounds good. I personally like 1 crab per 5 gallons, so you are good in my book for crabby room. Try not to worry. Did you dip the new crabbies in the fresh water of your tank before you put them in? That way they smell like your tank.

Yea i did that. All 3 of the other have been active every night but Mr. Krabbs dissapeared the day that the 2 new ones came in. Why would he be gone for a week?

[kieagcarm]

I'm confused, do you have 4 or 5 total crabs, both old and new?

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[GotButterflies]

I'm confused, do you have 4 or 5 total crabs, both old and new?

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She has 4 -2 new 2 existing.

[Latoshia]

Still no sign of Mr. Krabbs...should i start looking for him?

[kieagcarm]

Still no sign of Mr. Krabbs...should i start looking for him?

No. You should not go looking for your crab unless an emergency has occurred, like a flood, crabs will do under the sub for months and months and it's normal. Stressful for us, but normal for them.

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[GotButterflies]

Mr. Krabbs should be fine. He can be destressing, or he could have gone down for a molt. He could also be coming up at night and you not know it. He will be fine. The crabs should be fine. Try not to worry about them. I know it is easier said than done. Patience is key with crabbies.

[Latoshia]

Thank you for all the replies everyone. I feel a little better reading all of your responses. He dtill hasnt surfaced but as of right now i dont smell any fishy smells. It smells different in there lately but not fishy. Were into the second week of no Mr Krabbs but im hoping hes alright.

[GotButterflies]

Please keep us updated!

[Latoshia]

Please keep us updated!

Still no sign of him at all. I feel so helpless and worried. Its all i can do to not go digging for him. Im really worried hes dead under the sand....is that common?

[GotButterflies]

It will be okay! These crabs teach us patience


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[LadyJinglyJones]

It's okay!
Believe it or not, he still hasn't been down very long by crab standards! :roll:

One of the very useful functions of the HCA forum is that we can all talk each other out of going crazy whenever our babies dissappear.

He'll come up when he's ready. He just has some Very Important Burrowing to do right now.