Naked crab. Help!!

[Hermiesguardian]

Update....I popped crabbie into main tank in a little private area, he's still in his shell and nibbling at some fresh coconut.
Not really moving about yet just looks a little weak.
Encouraged that he's eating so fingers crossed!
X

[Wendy UK]

Update.....ANYONE ADVISE/OPINION??

When you think everything's under control.......

Up pops crabbie 2 (I have 3) scares my previously NAKED crab.. Who ran out of his shell into his water.

I settled everything down. And he chose another shell (back in solitary..)

But he's out again!!

Possible theory but anyone please say what you think....
When he originally came out without his shell it was from under a rock in tank.
Is it possible that somehow he wrenched himself whilst surfacing and has damaged his lower abdomen??
I have to say he's always, been curled up at the back and maybe he was never 'properly' in the shells after surfacing?

He's now sitting naked by the small water dish dangling some of his toes in the water.
He is 'sprightly' without a shell but I've never seen him actual 'move' in one.. Thus me thinking he's hurt..

Guys you've been great and need you again for this
Thanks xx

[Crabby in NJ]

I have no knowledge, never had this happen but did u rinse out all the shells to ensure nothing is in them that would make him run out nakie?

[IsolatedShadow]

Update.....ANYONE ADVISE/OPINION??

When you think everything's under control.......

Up pops crabbie 2 (I have 3) scares my previously NAKED crab.. Who ran out of his shell into his water.

I settled everything down. And he chose another shell (back in solitary..)

But he's out again!!

Possible theory but anyone please say what you think....
When he originally came out without his shell it was from under a rock in tank.
Is it possible that somehow he wrenched himself whilst surfacing and has damaged his lower abdomen??
I have to say he's always, been curled up at the back and maybe he was never 'properly' in the shells after surfacing?

He's now sitting naked by the small water dish dangling some of his toes in the water.
He is 'sprightly' without a shell but I've never seen him actual 'move' in one.. Thus me thinking he's hurt..

Guys you've been great and need you again for this
Thanks xx

It does sound like a possibility. For now, it's best to try and get him back in the shell or even a lighter one of a similar size. If he looks weak please do feed him some healing foods. A few of these are raw/boiled egg, honey, and bee pollen. I would suggest to give some honey at the moment. And you may want to keep him isolated for a little longer so you can monitor him. Maybe about day or so to see if he drops his shell again?

[Wendy UK]

Hi, I've set up a more secure isolation tank with everything he needs in it plus honey!
He moved around quite well.. Naked... And he put himself in his water then had a rest and now is in a shell.. Phew!!

I'm monitoring but leaving be as much as possible and set it up so it's dim in there.. Just to allow him.. I say him I haven't a clue!..... To rest as much as he wants.
I suppose its a waiting game now.
P. S. The shell he's in is a little lighter than the old one.

Fingers crossed

Thank you x

[RiNiKy506]

I wonder what keeps scaring him enough to make him come out of his shell. AussieJJ or wodesorel, would one of you know? Could the one crab be bothering him and he keeps giving his shell to the other?

[IsolatedShadow]

I wonder what keeps scaring him enough to make him come out of his shell. AussieJJ or wodesorel, would one of you know? Could the one crab be bothering him and he keeps giving his shell to the other?

Usually when a crab leaves a shell its because of a shell jacking or he is too weak to carry the shell. Both of which is an emergency.

[Overmountain1]

Hi, I've set up a more secure isolation tank with everything he needs in it plus honey!
He moved around quite well.. Naked... And he put himself in his water then had a rest and now is in a shell.. Phew!!

I'm monitoring but leaving be as much as possible and set it up so it's dim in there.. Just to allow him.. I say him I haven't a clue!..... To rest as much as he wants.
I suppose its a waiting game now.
P. S. The shell he's in is a little lighter than the old one.

Fingers crossed

Thank you x

Oh I do hope things continue to look up and he regains his strength! So scary when you find them naked! I’ve never had any to go back in a shell after that (3 total) bc I guess they just gave up? Idk- but I’m glad your guy seems to be feeling a little better.
As everyone has mentioned, healing foods- maybe some extra calcium with the honey, and protein of course! Wishing you and the little guy all the best! Good job crabby mom!


Dave the Wondercrab~Pat~Maggie~ Billy~Pop~Corn~Ten~Sam~MissTeri~Tim~Gene~ Barry~Mr S~Princess + 5 Es + Mr EnDoh =my crabby clan!

[Wendy UK]

Thanks for all your help, advice and support. Much appreciated.. I don't feel so alone with this...

I have discovered, which I kinda suspected, that Sancho Panza'what he's called (don't ask!
). Anyway he's never been properly I. His shell since surfacing.. He's still coiled.. Must have just backed into one.
He had a bath (he did it not me) in his salt water naked. And is in his coconut shelter - no shell.

I don't know how long he can live like this?
He's safe and I saw him watching the other clothed crabs bless.
I'll just keep feeding and changing his water etc - good point about calcium have now added cuttlefish to the ICU... Just hope things change.

Thanks again you all xx

[Wendy UK]

@overmountain 1
Im sorry about the three you had that didn't return to their shells .. You do get very attached to the little creatures don't you?
Xx

[IsolatedShadow]

Thanks for all your help, advice and support. Much appreciated.. I don't feel so alone with this...

I have discovered, which I kinda suspected, that Sancho Panza'what he's called (don't ask!
). Anyway he's never been properly I. His shell since surfacing.. He's still coiled.. Must have just backed into one.
He had a bath (he did it not me) in his salt water naked. And is in his coconut shelter - no shell.

I don't know how long he can live like this?
He's safe and I saw him watching the other clothed crabs bless.
I'll just keep feeding and changing his water etc - good point about calcium have now added cuttlefish to the ICU... Just hope things change.

Thanks again you all xx

A crab cannot live long outside of its shell as the shell provides protection to the soft abdomen. Also, the abdomen will dry out quickly if there is no shell to cover it and the crab can die of dehydration rather quickly. If he drops his shell again just do what you did before to get him to go into a shell. Did you fill out the emergency form completely? I looked back at it but it was bare for me save for the information you put at the very bottom of it explaining your situation.

[Wendy UK]

Hi

Oh sorry no I didn't fill it out in my panic.
However answers are:

Substrate mix sand and eco earth.
Gauges both temp and humidity. (Ave temp 24/5.humidity 85% or bit higher.
Feed good diet of organic nuts, fruit, seeds, occ honey, fish and organic chicken and dried mealie worms etc.
Both de chlorinated water and correct salt water.
Water changed every 2 days.
Food every day.
Tank 98% sealed (small gap for air).
All decorations etc are suitable for aquariums etc.

Crab emerged from molt without shell (later found just under a rock filled with substrate.

Think that's it? Cheers

[Wendy UK]

Further... SP is equadorian crab. (always been quite pale in colour). I've had him for 11 months.

He's had two molts in this time.

His most recent shell size is 5.25cms.

He's always been an active crab.

He doesn't seen unwell as such but maybe injured. This is what I think.. X

[Wendy UK]

Ecuadorian crab sorry

[IsolatedShadow]

Further... SP is equadorian crab. (always been quite pale in colour). I've had him for 11 months.

He's had two molts in this time.

His most recent shell size is 5.25cms.

He's always been an active crab.

He doesn't seen unwell as such but maybe injured. This is what I think.. X

Looks like you're doing pretty good! Though I have a few questions to help get a better understanding of your tank.
How deep is your substrate?
How many crabs do you have? do you know the species?
What size tank do you have?
How many shells do you have for them to change into?
How do you clean the tank (if at all)?