Naked, missing claw, can't seem to reshell himself

[Jojobeansy]

I just wanted to update. I still have him in ISO because I'm afraid to put him into the tank with the others while missing his BP. I have a new 29g that the others have been moved into, so crowding should not be an issue anymore. Mr Crab has formed a gel limb where his BP should be, and I'm hoping that's a good sign that he's getting ready for his next molt! He otherwise seems to be doing fine, still likes to stay buried a lot, but does occasionally come out and climb around the ISO tank. I've been making sure he has lots of cuttlebone available, and he is getting a diet of freeze dried insects, veggies, and whole baby shrimp. Fingers crossed he gets his BP back soon!

[LadyJinglyJones]

Sounds like the normal healing process is underway!

It may be okay to release him into the Gen pop if you've got pretty deep sub... but if that makes you uncomfortable, that's okay too. Just remember - the big claw isn't the be-all of crabbie social life. They have all kinds of non-lethal ways of sorting out conflicts... shell rapping, shoving, antenal exchanges.

When you do reintroduce him be prepared for a bit of this as the posse re-establish pecking order.

[Jojobeansy]

Sounds like the normal healing process is underway!

It may be okay to release him into the Gen pop if you've got pretty deep sub... but if that makes you uncomfortable, that's okay too. Just remember - the big claw isn't the be-all of crabbie social life. They have all kinds of non-lethal ways of sorting out conflicts... shell rapping, shoving, antenal exchanges.

When you do reintroduce him be prepared for a bit of this as the posse re-establish pecking order.

Thank you! He's been buried now for a couple days, so I think he's molting now. I will go ahead and move him over the next time I see him come up (as long as he isn't pink!)

[LadyJinglyJones]

OH, that's great!!

Fingers crossed for a solid moult!

[Jojobeansy]

Look who's just come up, freshly molted and with a BP!! Is it normal to be a bit smaller than it was before? I am assuming it will be larger after the next molt?
He's now in the main tank with all his buddies!

[LadyJinglyJones]

Yaaaay!

And yes - replacements can take a few moults to get back to normal size.

[GotButterflies]

That's great! Don't forget to dip him in the freshwater of the tank so he smells like the rest and not like the iso tank