Crab chirping

[Hermielover121]

I was very surprised when I heard loud chirping coming from my tank. I just added my last new crab ( I have adopted 3 in the last couple of months from the same person because they where molting at different times). The “fight” was between the newest crab and one of my crabs I got around 2 years ago. This crab wasn’t really the one to get along with any of the new crabs and often pick on them even though she is the smallest. I couldn’t see what was happening because they where hiding under a log but once I moved stuff around they separated. Now the new crab is kind of lingering behind my other crab. I don’t see any lost limbs but I know chirping can be a sign of distress. I am really not sure of what to do. I’m I have a clip of the noise but I’m not sure how to post it


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[myllkti]

If your crab often picks on new crabs and you don’t bathe the new crabs you get, that may be because of “new crab smell”. Although it is not advised to bathe crabs regularly, a new crabby is one that can get a quick freshwater dip to help them get along better

[Hermielover121]

I make sure I always dip new crabs so I’m not sure if that’s the reason. Last night things where getting a little more aggressive the crab that can be a bully was pushing my newest crab onto its back in the corner and then basically sitting on him. To me it looks like he is trying to say that he is the boss, the only thing that scared me was the chirping.


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[CrabbyLover77]

It sounds like the aggressive crab may want the new crab's shell. I posted something similar a little while back. My female crab Mera kept guarding and sitting on another female crab, Ruby. Mera wouldn't let Ruby be. Eventually, Mera ended up in Ruby's shell (Ruby got Mera's old shell), and all went back to normal. I have like 40-50 shells in my 55 gal (I know some have been buried), but Mera just had to have that one. Maybe see if you can find more shells that are similar to the one the new crab is in.

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[Hermielover121]

There are quite a few similar to that one, I see the new crab and my other crab checking out this other shell so hopefully one of them will switch. At the moment they seem to be keeping there distance I will see what happens tonight.


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[CrabbyLover77]

Def keep me updated.

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[hermitsrus1966]

It sounds like the aggressive crab may want the new crab's shell. I posted something similar a little while back. My female crab Mera kept guarding and sitting on another female crab, Ruby. Mera wouldn't let Ruby be. Eventually, Mera ended up in Ruby's shell (Ruby got Mera's old shell), and all went back to normal. I have like 40-50 shells in my 55 gal (I know some have been buried), but Mera just had to have that one. Maybe see if you can find more shells that are similar to the one the new crab is in.

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My crabs have done similar things. I have 9 crabs now and at least 40 shells or more and they are mostly turbos but many other kinds too. I just do not understand. I currently have a PP who is my largest, and he will not change shells. I have probably 15 just for him of all different sizes and types, as well as a couple similar to the one he is wearing (I think its like a Mexican turbo shell) and he has been beyond picky.