HCA: Hermit Crab Association

One of our Purple Pinchers, Kenny, has his far right leg missing. I just noticed it yesterday while looking at him. He is still able to walk and climb, however, he spends a ridiculous amount of time just sitting in the fresh/saltwater pools. The last time one of our crabs constantly hung out by the water, he passed away.

Anyone know the cause of the dropped limb? Or why he is constantly by the water?

He has molted 2-3 times with us.

He came up from his last molt about 3 months ago.

Thanks!

Limbs can be lost due to stress or fights/injury. Spending a lot of time in the water, especially saltwater, can be a sign of prepping for a molt.

I agree with CallaLily

Sounds like a molt is on the way, and with the need to regenerate a limb, it's going to be a little more intense for the crab than your "everyday" molt. Now would be the time to make sure that your tank is in optimal condition and start offering things like cuttlebone or left over exo more often (if you don't already)