Is this normal crab behavior?

[Fox]

Hi. So I'm a new crab owner, and I just introduced my two crabs to each other. I gave them both baths first and placed them both in hiding spots, but just now I saw one of them go to where the other crab was hiding. He stood on the other crab, and the crab he was standing on was hiding in his shell. What does this mean? Is he trying to attack the other crab, or did he just want his hiding spot? Or maybe his shell? Please help!

[moonbeam]

Did he just stand on top of him or was he trying to pinch the other crab? It sounds like a dominance display which is completely normal.


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[Fox]

I couldn't really tell because they were beneath a coconut hut facing away from me, but I think he was just standing on him. Was it okay to move the aggressor? Or should I have them alone? Sorry, I just want to make sure he doesn't seriously hurt the other crab!

[moonbeam]

Sure you can always put them at opposite sides of the tank if your worried about their interaction. And it's ok! We all worry about our crabs as long as the aggressor is isn't trying to pinch the other crab or grab it with its pinchers (someone correct me if I'm wrong!) these displays are normal and you don't have to interfere. It's hard not to interfere at first though. You get used to it after a while (not that these displays happen all the time but when you introduce new crabs it's pretty common).


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[Fox]

Okay, great! Thank you so much!

[moonbeam]

No problem


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