One of our two PPs emerged a couple of weeks ago after a long molt. Both crabs had been down for long enough (about 12 weeks) for me to be worried when this guy, who we assumed was Sandy Claws because of the shell, emerged. Then we noticed that SC seemed to look and behave more like the other guy (Hermie). Could they have swapped shells while buried? Or it it more likely that H ate his friend and stole his shell? And when should we go looking for evidence? After trying to escape for several days, H has taken to hiding under the food dish and eating little (not helping himself appear less guilty!). We still have the food mites I mentioned in a previous post, though I am working on clearing them out gradually, and while I'd hate to disturb SC or find his remains, I'm itching to clean out the crabitat. H seems miserable.
Anyone else had below-ground shell-swapping or cannibalism occur?
Shell-swapping cannibal?
Re: Shell-swapping cannibal?
It is unlikely a crab would change shells underground. Remember crabs have been known to be underground for 8 months to a year before, and then emerge like they were never gone. They can change colors during a molt, and some have even been noted to come up with a "new personality." Try checking in the middle of the night to see if the other is coming out when you are asleep as they are nocturnal. Some of my crabs only come out at night! Crabs are tricky. They don't seem to cooperate when tank moving time comes along.
-
TXcrabby022
Topic author - Posts: 57
- Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2015 1:05 pm
Re: Shell-swapping cannibal?
Thanks, Rawrgeous--it is helpful to know that they can be down for so long. I've checked in the middle of the night a few times, which I'll keep doing. The substrate tends to get really messy when they emerge because they are pretty big, but it seems to have remained undisturbed. Last night H/SC ate again and emerged from under the food dish. I'll just hang tight for now and assume all's well with our tricky and fascinating little friends. 