HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Why is one of my crabs suddenly digging up molters, forcing them to move and re bury? Will this harm and possible kill the molters? Does the crab digging them up need to be removed from the tank temporarily?


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Ive only had my crababies for half a year so I am not familiar with this behavior yet. My newbie opinion would be to isolate him. Your post didn't say he was attacking them which is good, but in ISO Id make sure he has a real good diet just incase its nutrition related.

You also mentioned suddenly. How long has he been with his crab family? Could he be territorial? Trying to show superiority? Someone more experienced can add to that ... my instinct is regardless of WHY - i feel its a bit aggressive, especially if others are molting.

AL247 wrote:Why is one of my crabs suddenly digging up molters, forcing them to move and re bury? Will this harm and possible kill the molters? Does the crab digging them up need to be removed from the tank temporarily?


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You might want to fill out the emergency questions. I think it’s in the crab care forum? It can help people pinpoint what might need to be tweaked in a set up to keep your crabs safe and happy.



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I'm pretty new too and I agree you should post in the emergency forum. I would also isolate the crab that is digging others up.

He has been with these crabs from day one. They were all purchased at the same time. He gets a variety of fresh foods (no pellets) and he has never acted territorial. I considered isolating him from the rest like you all said so I will most likely do that


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Filling in the emergency template will give us a bunch more info to help.
How big is your tank? How many crabs? How deep and what kinds of sub? What types of water? What is temp and humidity?

curlysister wrote:Filling in the emergency template will give us a bunch more info to help.
How big is your tank? How many crabs? How deep and what kinds of sub? What types of water? What is temp and humidity?

10 gallon tank with eco earth and sand mix between 5 and 5 inches deep. Salt and fresh water. Only 3 crabs


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Hello. I don’t have a way to attach the emergency template for I am on my phone, but your substrate should be a minimum of six inches or three times the height of your largest crab. Whichever is the deepest wins. It should be mixed with dechlorinated marine saltwater or dechlorinated freshwater to make it sandcastle consistency. IMO, heat and humidity should be at least 80.


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Yes have all that and meant between 5 to 6 inches


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I personally wouldn’t keep 3 in a 10g. They may have been best buds from day one, but as they grow their space becomes limited.


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Here is the emergency template:

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 27&t=46102

The crab digging up the other crabs is now buried. I guess he was looking for a place of his own to molt and accidentally came across the others


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We have asked you to please fill out the emergency template so that we can help you. Do you provide enough calcium and protein for your hermies?

GotButterflies wrote:We have asked you to please fill out the emergency template so that we can help you. Do you provide enough calcium and protein for your hermies?

I did not fill out because it is not an emergency. The crab is now under. As I said before in an update it must have been accidentally digging up other crabs because it was looking for a spot of his own.


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