HCA: Hermit Crab Association

My hermit crab is usually a gray-ish color, but today I noticed the tip of his leg was turning black. I read in the archives that it meant his leg was dying, but I don't know why it would be dying? Does that mean he is dying?

Could he have an infection? My other two crabs are buried down/molting, should I isolate him?

He hasn't moved for a few hours, and I'm afraid to disturb him too much so I haven't gotten a picture yet, but if I need to, I can.

HermitCrabFan wrote:My hermit crab is usually a gray-ish color, but today I noticed the tip of his leg was turning black. I read in the archives that it meant his leg was dying, but I don't know why it would be dying? Does that mean he is dying?

Could he have an infection? My other two crabs are buried down/molting, should I isolate him?

He hasn't moved for a few hours, and I'm afraid to disturb him too much so I haven't gotten a picture yet, but if I need to, I can.

Please take one if you can. They should have little black claws at the ends of their legs.

Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

Lile SG said, it might be their little 'toes' that your seeing. A picture will definitely help, so I'd recommend doing one if possible.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Okay, I got a couple pictures of him earlier today and he was still in the same spot as yesterday but he was sitting out of his shell. He curled back up when I came close to the tank, and has stayed like that for a while. Now that I could get a better look at him today there's a couple of other dark gray-ish spots on him, such as on his large claw.





I'm sorry I couldn't get a better picture my phone camera is horrible. In the picture it kind-of(?) looks like he's covered with a little bit of dirt, but that's not dirt. That's the spots I'm talking about.

How long was he in that position for?

Okay...that is an E...and he just molted. Those black sharp points are an indication of a fresh molt They tend to wear away over time due to lots of climbing Nothing to worry about!!!

Es have a specific way of "folding their legs when they go back into their shell. I would put him so his shell is facing down

Agree with GB. Except that my aussies then to rest in a similar position, with the shell up like that. I'd personally just leave him be.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Just found him dead today. He was in that position for 2-3 days all together. It's been a few weeks, maybe a month since he molted. I was afraid he was going to surface molt, but I guess not. It looks like his abdomen was turning black/dark gray as well. Do you guys think I should worry about my two molters?

Even though its hard not too, i wouldn't stress too much about them. Continue to offer good conditions and see if they do well.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I am sorry for your loss.