Crab lost nearly all limbs, now possible surface molting.

[Hershozz]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
-Coconut fiber only, 6in deep

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
-I have a temperature gauge that reads 80 most of the time. I don't have a humidity gauge yet(getting one soon) but it is usually visibly humid.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
- I have a heat pad on the outside of the tank just above the substrate and a heating lamp.

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
-I have both and they're from the hermit crab brand.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
- I give organic food from the hermit crab patch, anywhere from egg shells to protien snacks and blackberry leaves. I change it every other day, different food every time.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
- I've had them for nearly a year now, and I think they're both purple pinchers.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
- My smaller crab molted less than a month ago and my bigger crab hasn't molted in months.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
- 10 Gallon tank with a meshed lid.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
- Two crabs, one is very small, just a bit bigger than a quarter. The other is huge, about the size of a tennis ball I think.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
- 6 extra shells, getting more soon.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
- Never

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
- Every week to every other week, all I do is make sure the glass is clean (with JUST filtered water) and I pick out their poop or anything that needs to get out of their substrate.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
- Nope.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
- I have a sort of coconut fiber wall climber that I added. It's now seperating them.

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?
- Before this I've suspected crab bullying.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

My small crab, Skelly, was under the surface for awhile, and I assume she was molting. During the time she was gone my bigger crab, Basil, was being very destructive. He'd churn up all the substrate, spill all the water/food, etc. Somehow she never turned up, but I think that probably didn't help Skelly molt. Just recently she came up looking just fine. She even ate and everything. Then I was going to change the food and I had to move her and I realized her claw didn't look right. The top pincher was actually broken as well as the tip of her leg and on one side of her she's completely missing limbs, including her big claw. I found her legs near their water and another one was right next to Basil. I don't know if it's him for sure, but it's very likely as he pushes her out of the food and scares her into hiding most of the time. He's also a giant compared to her. I separated them with a coconut fiber wall thing I had, and that got her to eat and drink ( he still has food and water btw). I thought she was getting better despite not moving around a ton, and now shes dug a dip in the substrate and has been sitting there, completely limp. I've seen her move a bit, so I know she's alive. What do I do?? How do I know if it was him that tore her limbs, and if it is, where do I go from there?? I'm getting a 20gal tank soon. Help?

[Visual]

I'm new to all this as well, been crabbing about 8 months now. Sounds like you're doing the absolute best thing for both of them. You can always take a clean 2 liter bottle cut in half, top end up, and push that around your surface molter. If that's what's she's doing. Maybe she's just is shock? Someone more experienced than me would have to help. This bottle in the sub helps to protect the crab but also has the open small top for air etc. of course leave in food and a small container for water.


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[LadyJinglyJones]

Im also pretty new, but...
People on the forum tend to recommend raw organic honey, lots of calcium, protien, and foods rich in vitamins for injured crabs, to help them build up strength for their next molt. Monitor Skelly to see if she is indeed moulting. Maybe offer her easy access to a dark place, as darkness is thought to be linked to moulting hormones.

I wouldn't be surprised if the tank upgrade improved crab relations... tenis ball sized is getting pretty big for a ten gal... (also, I am jealous of your having such a big crab. )

Probably just keep them separate, make sure big crab is very well fed (and has no reason to go looking for poor Skelly), and try to get that new tank set up.

Good luck!!

[GotButterflies]

They pretty much covered it. You need to protect the little one asap, as the coco wall will not do. The best thing would be an isolation tank. If you don't have that, the soda bottle, a kritter keeper or a Tupperware container inside of the tank so that the same heat/humidity conditions are met. It is very important for you to get a hygrometer. You need to know the humidity level in your tank. If it dips below 80, then you know stress can be causing your little gal to lose her legs. Below 80 temp, 80 humidity is trying to survive. Then if you add stress to the picture, that weaken their health also. Definitely offer calcium carbonate, eggshells, cuttlebone, oystershell, organic raw honey, salt & fresh water. Most important do not handle her. Allow her to destress. If she is able to pull through she should regrow her legs in a couple of molts. Keep them separated from this point forward. I too have a bully. He is a jumbo. I am placing him in a new home this week, because it is the best thing for the rest of my crabs. Good luck! Btw, digital hygrometer ~ Acurite - purchase from Walmart or Amazon. $8.50. Takes a AA battery.


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