a couple of my crabs have muted colors...

54chevy · Post by **54chevy** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:33 pm

I have 5 crabs, 3 of them are brightly colored reds and oranges. I have 2 of the smaller ones who seem to be losing some colors. I thought maybe dietary needs aren't being met so I started feeding a more varied (to the already varied diet) diet. I offered more shells, and I also added more substrate to one side of my tank. They look hairy, like they mustv'e recently molted...

So should I just feed them more green and red veg, maybe more fruits. More spirulina and that red powder stuff (axophrin or whatever)?

I am hoping this fixes itself in the next molt.

I feel like a bad owner though

54chevy · Post by **54chevy** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:49 pm

Might as well fill this out...

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? I use a mixture of play sand and EE, made with mostly treated fresh water (sometimes salt) Mostly 4-5 inches deep, I have been slowly adding more sand and EE when all my guys are up top. So some sections maybe 6ish

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read? MY crabs hid the temp one on me somehow, and the humidity one is up. It is a nice humidity. I just sprayed it so it is higher than normal.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? I have 4 UTHs. 2 small ones on the side. A large and a small one on the back. I unplugged all but the large on on the back. I will be plugging it in when the weather gets colder.

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)? Fresh and saltwater(Instant ocean) deep enough so they can soak, with shells so they can get out. I replace the waters when they are grimy with sand and poo.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Oh so much. frozen shrimp,assortment of leaves, huge assortment of freeze dreid fruits. spinach(fresh) red shrimp and mealworms (freezedried) spirulina...clovers... I replace the dry food when it is out or sandy. and the fresh food after a day.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I have had them for a year now. and they are all PPs. ranging in sizes from a small,med,large,large-large.

7. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? 29 gallon aquarium. screened lid with plastic on it (with bits uncovered for air)

8. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? 5 crabs, all ranging in size.

9. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? alot. Havent counted in a while, but I put more in and they had a mass shell change

10. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? not that I know of, unless inlaws are idiots and did something when i wasnt looking.

11. How often do you clean the tank and how? Iclean spoiled food, and poo if I see it.. I go the more natural route though.

12. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? heck NO, lol

13. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? I added a shell shop and moss pit (I had in a long time ago, not sure why i took it out.), new net tat i boiled in salt water repeatedly.

14. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)? I dont pick them up, unless I need to do something in a certain part of tank. They are not handled often, I think they are happiest that way. I have had a few good molts and i am wondering what I am doing wrong...

Nnnnnnnn · Post by **Nnnnnnnn** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:00 pm

I would offer them foods that are rich in beta carotine.

It's not your fault, they just might not have very vivid coloring.

54chevy · Post by **54chevy** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:18 pm

Carrots,spinach,broccoli(I think)

If I do everything right they still wont get colors until after they molt again right? (If they get them back)

Nnnnnnnn · Post by **Nnnnnnnn** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:34 pm

My guys seem to love sweet potato.

Just about any red or brightly colored veggie has beta carotine in it.

No, they won't get it back before the next molt.

CallaLily · Post by **CallaLily** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:40 pm

It definitely can't hurt to offer a more varied diet but keep in mind some crabs just have lighter/duller coloring. Especially the smaller ones. I have one PP who's about medium sized and no matter what I feed she mostly this dusky grayish-lavender. It's pretty drab looking but otherwise she seems healthy. Another PP has always been tans/pinks but as she's getting bigger (smallish-medium) she has some reds coming in. I sure the diet I offer is good because I also have dark red and dark purple(almost black) PPs and Es with very nice dark browns and orange.

Post by **wodesorel** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:56 pm

Color is not a good indication of overall health - you might just have pale crabs.

Not all hermits will be bright and vivid and as long as they are getting a varied diet it's not something to worry over!

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:09 pm

I sometimes think my incandescent lights are helping them "tan" or get darker anyway, because they are and I'm not feeding them anything special.

HCA: Hermit Crab Association

a couple of my crabs have muted colors...

a couple of my crabs have muted colors...

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