New Crab Behavior--Normal?

[cswan81]

Hello! We finally got a new Crab companion for our resident crab Flame after his buddy died. We named the new guy Captain America because of his patriotic shell. He's been generally social, alert and active.

Shortly after I finally introduced them and added Captain to the main tank, they did the usual crawling all over eachother, etc. Captain took off to check out shells. I checked in an hour later and to my horror found my Flame's shell empty. I panicked but quickly realized that there had been some shell swapping happening. I found it was actually Flame in Captains old shell and Captain was now in one of my large natural green ones, burrowed shell opening up in the substrate beneath a large shell half. It's been days and he's still there and hasn't moved. He's alive, as his front legs are out and wiggling when I lift the large shell.

Is it normal for him to go from out and social to sequestered butt down head up in the coconut fiber? He's not fully buried, just snuggled down in there like that. Why isn't he coming out to explore and eat? This is the first time I've added a new Crab so I am not familiar with new Crab Behavior.

Thanks so much!

[Asheka]

He's probably destressing, and might be coming out while you're asleep, etc.

[cswan81]

Ok good to know! Thank you!

He just grabbed a new shell and hid out so I was worried.

[Asheka]

Np Still keep an eye on him, but if he seems to still be responsive to you, I'd say he's just found a favorite spot for now heh

[cswan81]

Thanks again! I absolutely will. I went in a bit ago to water them and add a new climbing toy, and he's mostly buried now, can only see a bit of shell. The pet store only had about an inch of substrate, so he may just be enjoying the ability to bury. I will worry more if I don't see him after another few days or a week.

Right now, Flame has me more concerned, as he's climbed all the way up to the tank lid. Not usually a problem, but their glass lid broke a couple days ago, so I only have a wide hole grate and saran wrap on it until the new glass one's delivered. I'm concerned I may wake to an escaped hermie in the morning if he works the plastic off and manages to scoot the book. He's particularly fiesty lately.

[Asheka]

He may molt, so try not to worry too much heh

Ah. I'm not sure how easily he could get through the plastic wrap, but I hope your new lid comes soon!