Anyhow, I've been changing the water and food every couple of days for the crab that was still dug down in the old tank because I thought that, due to the length of time he'd been under (three weeks), he was possibly molting and would come up soon. I suspected a molt because this was the crab that we got from a beach gift shop in Naples, FL and he was kept in one of those shallow wooden boxes with no substrate to speak of. Even though we only had about 3.5-4 inches of substrate in the old tank he had himself buried in a position that I couldn't find him anywhere. I just let him be and hoped for the best because I haven't smelled that awful dead crab smell.
Today, as I was changing his food and water, I slid the tank out and looked on the bottom and saw this!
While I am very happy (now I can hold off on the "dead pet talk" to my daughter - this one is hers, too), I am very concerned that he may be stuck. Of course, this knucklehead has himself buried in the most gravelly, calciest spot in the tank. I guess he is moving around because this is the first time I've been able to find him since he went under, his feelers are active, and as you can see in the pics, looks perfectly fine. His color looks great and to me he doesn't seem newly molted. Granted I'm no expert, by any means, but I'm wondering if I should just wait it out some more or try to get him. Also, when he does resurface (either on his own or with help), should I move him into the new tank right away or wait some more. Please advise. We are all very happy to find "Hermie," but also want to make sure that our discovery doesn't take a turn for the worse.
Y'all have been extremely helpful so far and this website is truly amazing. Thanks again.
Jason
