Molting crab exposed in tunnel. ISO?
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2019 1:15 pm
Hermcules has been molting for about a month. Maybe a week ago, on the surface of the substrate I noticed a new hole ~1-2" deep where I could see the top of his shell. I checked the tank camera and he hasn't resurfaced, so I think one of my other crabs dug down and found him. I covered the opening to his tunnel with the large shell I use as a food dish as a bit of protection.
This morning, I noticed my other crab, Snooki, in the hole on top of Hermcules. I pulled her off and couldn't immediately see Hermcules' shell, so I very lightly brushed away a layer of sand to see if he was still there. I found him, and I think he's now upside down with sand packed in and around his shell.
It's hard to tell because he's still pretty well covered, but here are a couple of photos:
Since he's partially exposed and his tunnel seems somewhat collapsed, should I dig him up and isolate him? I've never isolated a crab before, so any help is greatly appreciated!
FYI: One other crab is down and I don't know where, so isolating Herm by sticking a container down into the sub to surround him might put the other crab in jeopardy. I feel like I may have to gently dig him up and place him in a container of moss, but I'm going to wait for the advice I get here before making any moves.
This morning, I noticed my other crab, Snooki, in the hole on top of Hermcules. I pulled her off and couldn't immediately see Hermcules' shell, so I very lightly brushed away a layer of sand to see if he was still there. I found him, and I think he's now upside down with sand packed in and around his shell.
It's hard to tell because he's still pretty well covered, but here are a couple of photos:
Since he's partially exposed and his tunnel seems somewhat collapsed, should I dig him up and isolate him? I've never isolated a crab before, so any help is greatly appreciated!
FYI: One other crab is down and I don't know where, so isolating Herm by sticking a container down into the sub to surround him might put the other crab in jeopardy. I feel like I may have to gently dig him up and place him in a container of moss, but I'm going to wait for the advice I get here before making any moves.
Yay!!!