HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I don't know if this is a molting incident or some other kind of accident; one of my Es has a leg that's *bent*. The end segment of its guard leg is bent in the middle at a 90˚ angle, and it's not wiggly, it's fixed that way, which makes me think it was a molting incident.

I had a mass molt while I was gone, and this is one really funky possible result.

I have heard that ethoxyquin can result in molting deformities, but I don't feed my crabbies commercial foods anymore -- though I haven't had this one for very long. Any thoughts?

i hav ehad some of mine turn out that way to. they get along fine. if i had to guess i would say ur crab molted along side of the glass, molted, his legs ended up that way, and then they dried that way. there should be no problems thouhg

the exo did not shed right- I have had it happen alot with E's and one Straw thus far- I have one now.............hopefully it will correct itself next molt

crabber had a thread about her E getting a deformity liek that, as far as i know that crab is still fine

I would think he'd either fix it in the next molt or drop the leg if it's too much for him to handle. I'm pretty sure he'll be fine.

You can see the bent part on the right. I'm now calling him "Lefty" . You can also see his nice, pointy toenails...

It doesn't seem to be bothering him too much...



It's amazing because it looks like I had a serious mass-molt starting while we were on vacation, and now I have all these bright 'n pointy Es!

I cant see the other side but he could have "hardened" against something---he will be ok

On his BP though is that a dent? Not sure- if so watch that carefully

Where do you see the dent and why would that be bad? I'll check next time I see him.

The bent leg is sticking out to the right of his bp in the first picture. It's bent almost at a right angle.

He seems fine -- he just looks a little pigeon-toed when he walks!

peggycats wrote:Where do you see the dent and why would that be bad? I'll check next time I see him.

A dent could be an impending bacterial infection which E's like to get the chitlin (?) underneath may be bad. I am not sure I see one that is why I asked you to look- I see it on the bottom towards the back of the BP (dont know how to describe it)

It's chitin (kite' n). Chitlins are a southern dish made with greens and pig guts . The crabbies would probably love 'em but I don't want them anywhere near my tank .

The little booger has gone underground -- probably stressing over his recent photo op. So, if he does have something I hope it's slow acting.

What do I do to prevent/cure this bacterial condition? Should I go after Lefty and throw him in ISO? I don't want to do that unless I have to since my ISO tank currently has a long-term resident; a one-legged straw:?.

your not going to know unless you can keep an eye on it- the area will get bigger and or blacker- I have had dents progress to nothing so......tell him that he has to be available for daily check ups LOL

He's gone underground so I haven't seen him for a few days . He's already molted so I expect I'll see him soon.

How much of a danger is he to my other Es (or Rugs?).

Thank you for the info. Even if it's nothing it will be something for me to be aware of for my other E-babies .

peggycats wrote: How much of a danger is he to my other Es (or Rugs?).

well it is contagious IF its anything--if you see changes I would ISO--if you know where he is at also and he is molting again (?) when he comes up and you see something bad I would scoop the sand out around it- or deep clean, thats if you see something when he surfaces. My first bacterial inf I did just scoop out the sand and that was ok. Now I know what to look for and they get ISO. I just adopted a bunch that were exposed so I am a nervous nelly but hoping all will be ok

I found Lefty hiding in a moss net. Here are some photos of the dent on the claw. There might be some surrounding discoloration. If this is a fungus, what can I do to treat Lefty and my other crabs to treat/cure/prevent this?

I would definately ISO and start the medicinal baths- that looks like a bacterial infection- Im so sorry PM me if you want any more help. I will say a prayer for the lil guy that all will be well soon.