Crab is being a little aggressive/hyper!

[CrabbyLover77]

Hi everyone!

Tonight when I came home, I saw my crab Mera under a hide sitting over a shell. When I looked closer, Mera was actually sitting over my friendliest crab Ruby. Ruby was tucked in her shell, blocking the opening with her claw. I immediately separated them. Mera seemed very agitated that I separated them and began pacing back and forth over the food dishes in front of the glass. Ruby crawled to the top of the tank and sat on top of a jute wrapped spring rod. I took some fresh lettuce from the dish and offered it to her. She ate from my hand for about 5 mins, then walked away. All seemed ok. About an hour ago, I went in to turn off their tank lights. Mera was again looming over Ruby, but Ruby wasn't in defense mode this time at least. I gave them both a dunk in the salt water (it was the closest pool), and put a crab on each end of the tank. Mera seemed agitated again and very hyper, almost like a toddler taking a fit that they didn't get what they wanted. Her antennae we're waving everywhere.

I've never seen Mera act this way. I've had her appx 1.25 years, and Ruby appx 4 months. Usually everyone gets along and hangs out together. I sexed each crab when I rescued them and they were both girls. I've read on here they can change sexes though. I have appx 50 shells, some have been buried though I'm sure. 9-10" of ee/sand sand castle consistency. Humidity 90%+, Temp 78-80°F. 2 food dishes with lots of protein and calcium (and other goodies too). Lots of hiding places too. It's a 55 gal tank with 9 crabs ranging from small to large. I have my Wyze cam on and don't see anything going on at the moment. It doesn't get the entire tank though.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

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[aussieJJDude]

Are they the same size?

[CrabbyLover77]

I think Ruby might be a bit smaller, but is in a shell that's similar in size to Mera's. Do you think it's shell envy? I just peeked in on everyone and Ruby is hanging on her spot on top of the spring rod near the lid, and Mera is a foot to the left hanging out. One of my smaller guys, Kermit was at the food dish. Everyone is acting like nothing happened lol, I guess that's good though!

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[CrabbyLover77]

Update: Ruby and Mera are where I left them this morning. I also put in their curiosity cube last night with popcorn to distract Mera lol. It's moved around so someone went after it. Mera seems to be back to herself today so I have no idea why she was so crabby last night!

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[CrabbyLover77]

Just checked my Wyze cam and saw Mera standing over Ruby again. This time I watched for a couple mins to see what Mera did. She didn't rock Ruby's shell or attack her, she just stands over Ruby while she's retracted in her shell. It's like Mera is guarding her. Is this some type of mating behavior? Could Mera have changed sexes since I got her? I did separate them again.
TIA.

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[CrabbyLover77]

I got some pics. Mera was just sitting relaxed, on top of Ruby. Ruby is in the brown shell underneath. There was no aggression. When I separated them, Mera sent right back Ruby, that's the second pic. Again, there is no plucking or shaking/rocking Ruby, just guarding. Gave them both a dip in water again and rechecked their sexes. Both are still girls. Is it time to separate Mera? I do have a 10 gal iso tank set up. Thanks.

Edit: I put Mera in the 10 gal iso tank for now. She won't leave Ruby alone. She finds Ruby wherever she is and sits on her. So I wanted to give Ruby a break from being stalked, poor thing.

2nd Edit: I left Mera in the iso tank all day yesterday. I gave her lots of good food all for herself, which she ate. I put her back in the main tank last night. She hasn't bothered Ruby since. Ruby's be hanging on her fav spot on top of the spring rod near the lid.

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[aussieJJDude]

Good that so far, things seem to be settled down. To me, it looks like Mera has taken interest in Ruby's shell, considering they are both still female.... :/

[CrabbyLover77]

Good that so far, things seem to be settled down. To me, it looks like Mera has taken interest in Ruby's shell, considering they are both still female.... :/

Thanks for the reply Aussie. I caught Mera sitting on top of Ruby last night again. My crabs often pile on each other or "cuddle", but I separated them since I knew Mera has a thing for Ruby. Mera makes little squeaky noises when I separate them (like sneakers on a floor), which I take it means she doesn't like when I do that. Today all was well, both are doing their own thing. Looks like I'll check out Naples to see if they have any more shells in stock similar to Ruby's.

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[CrabbyLover77]

I just wanted to say that @aussieJJDude you were right (of course haha!). Mera wanted Ruby's shell. I was checking on them the other day and they were sitting apart, everything looking normal. Then I took a closer look at what I thought was Ruby. I saw bluish antennae and beady red eyes sticking out, which Ruby doesn't have but Mera does. I realized Mera somehow got Ruby's shell and Ruby is now in Mera's shell. It's not like I don't have dozens of shells in the tank, but Ruby's was the only shell that's all brown looking. I guess we all want what we can't have lol!

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[aussieJJDude]

Sounds like it was a potential shell-jack. If you've purchased anything from Naples, hopefully it arrives soon and help minimise any future (and potential) aggression between the two.

[CrabbyLover77]

Sounds like it was a potential shell-jack. If you've purchased anything from Naples, hopefully it arrives soon and help minimise any future (and potential) aggression between the two.

I've been checking Richards, Naples, and Amazon, and haven't found an all brown turbo like that. I probably got it from Naples, since I usually get all my shells there. I did buy shells from an HCA member once too. I don't remember purchasing it individually tho, so it was either from the HCA member, or a Naples turbo combo packs. The opening is 1 1/8". If anyone has one similar to the brown shell in the previous pics they are looking to sell, please msg me! Maybe I can contact Naples and put in a special request for one similar. Thanks.


Edit: I forgot to check Etsy! Going there now

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[aussieJJDude]

Looks like both crabs are in Turbo petholatus shells. Just these shells have been modified to have bands and spots on it (using a dremel).

[CrabbyLover77]

Thank you!

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