Lethargic Crab

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 3:29 pm

I have 4 PP crabs in a 10 gallon tank. All of the crabs have gotten out of the old shells they came with at the pet store except one. This one is my smallest and is remaining in his old crappy shell. He is very very lethargic now. All of the other crabs are very active and appear to be happy, except my lethargic crab just puts its two front legs in the salt water dish and doesn't move at all. The only way I know it is alive is by the occasional antennae movement. Even when I pick it up it is very lethargic. I've given it honey, fruit, and calcium supplements, but it won't touch it. Any ideas? Perhaps a molt?

hermiefanatic · Post by **hermiefanatic** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 3:36 pm

it could be a molt but generally they will eat and drink a lot before a molt. has he molted recently? does he need to regrew a limb? does he have ouldy eyes, black "toenails" or "hair" on his legs?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:15 pm

None of my crabs have molted. I've had them for about 2 months. Not sure what ouldy is, but his eyes look fine. No black toenails. There is hair on his legs. Just very lethargic.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:17 pm

and the limbs are fine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:30 pm

Is there enough protein in his diet? Is the sand moist and the temp up? My sis's crabs were this way and I beefed up their protein and got rid of the sponge and moved the UTH to the side of the tank vs. under and now one is dug under molting. Just a thought. I've had my own just go into a half log and destress though. Maybe just keep an eye on him and see how he continues to act.

hermiefanatic · Post by **hermiefanatic** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 4:48 pm

to see what cloudy eyes look like scroll down to side by side image and look @ the straws eyes. what they look like is what we mean by cloudy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:45 pm

I hope your little guy perks up. Sending happy healing thoughts your way.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:48 pm

My UTH is on the side of the tank. Everything is nice and moise. THe conditions are fine. The other 3 crabs are doing fine. I think the food is fine. I am using a mixture of Crab Island food and T-rex food. Also I add in a few banana chips and some dried fruit snacks all from crab island I believe. I have also been providing honey, but the other crabs just eat it. The sick crab won't touch the food at all. It is going downhill fast. I pick it up and it doesn't even have the strength to stay in its shell. If I were to tip it over, it would fall out of its shell. The only indication of life is the occassional antennae movement. Other than that, the crab would appear dead.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:49 pm

Also, I do have sponges in my water dishes. Is this a problem?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 6:07 pm

Sponges should be changed every few days because the can grow nasty bacteria. I just don't use them.

Commercial food can be harmful. Maybe you should try some organic stuff from
http://www.thehappyhermitcrab.com/

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 6:13 pm

to see what cloudy eyes look like scroll down to side by side image and look @ the straws eyes. what they look like is what we mean by cloudy

hermifanatic - how do you do this?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 6:23 pm

Awww! Well good luck... It may just be Post Purchase Stress. It has hit me recently with 4 purchases. It all depends on their length of trip and care in transit from place to place and how well they deal with it. Sending prayers to the lil guys way.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:12 pm

I don't think it is post purchase stress. The crab has been fine for over 2 months.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 8:11 pm

It could still be PPS. Which I think is likely since your other crabs seem fine.

Good Luck!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:35 pm

Ok, antennae movement has ceased. The crab is completely limp now. The only sign of life is the occasional movement of one of the small back legs. I'm completely baffled as to how this crab is dying while the other crabs are fine. It appears this crab won't last much longer. Is there any way I can make it comfortable?