HCA: Hermit Crab Association

One of our Es, Morris, has sharp pointy leg tips, fuzzy legs so I think he came up from a molt but his eyes look very cloudy and I think he might not be able to see. I have read that Es can have post molt vision problems. He doesn't really move away from the food and water bowl area. And he doesn't react quickly. He seems more cautious than usual. Should I move him into ISO? Will his vision improve after his next molt? We are worried about him.

hmmm, It could be a vision issue, which in most cases *should* clear up in the next molt. Or, If he hasnt molted recently, even though he looks like it, It could be a sign of a molt. Molting signs incclude: couldy eyes, eating and drinking lots, burying down, ect. What size is your crab? Was he just dug down?

He was not dug down. I really don't think he can see. I have him in ISO now, with food and water right by the hut.

Sorry, hermiefanatic, you asked about his size - he is a medium sized E. We have had him for about a month. He came in very healthy and active. His exo has darkened since we got him.

how cloudy are they? its possible he has temporary, or even permanent blindness. if so, he will be a little cautious and uneasy, but after a while he will be back to his old self, as a crab doesn't really need its eyes as much as most other animals

I've never had an E with eye problems after a molt, but my large PP, Shadow, did come up after a molt permanently blind, because her previous owner gave her Fluoride poisoning. But, she seemed to find the food fine, and acted just like normal. I also have a PP, Plankton, who only has one eye. If your E is blind in this eye, then either it will clear up after his next molt, or he will be permanently blind in this eye. Hopefully it's the first one. But, if it's the second, then he should be just fine. You just have to watch him a little more.

Thanks for the support everyone - his eyes are really cloudy. But I think I might move him back to the big tank. All his E friends are there. I will continue to watch him...

One of my crabs came up from a molt with really cloudy eyes one time. They cleared up after a few days and he is fine now.