Naked crab. Help!!

[Wendy UK]

Substrate is 7.5 inches deep.
3 crabs.. This one and two purple pincers
Tank is 60x60x40 glass with bespoke glass lid
There is always 9 spare shells in there of similar/slightly lager sizes.
The tank was last cleaned 8 months ago. Due another clean but was waiting for this one and one other to finish molt.

I think I've followed all of the associations guidance.. X

[Wendy UK]

I may be wrong and I'm a relative newbie to the crabbies but this one is bathing himself. Trying to get into a shell. Nibbling coconut and honey.. I think all of this is instinctive and apart from a, she'll he acting as he does, after a molt.
Does that make sense?

[IsolatedShadow]

I may be wrong and I'm a relative newbie to the crabbies but this one is bathing himself. Trying to get into a shell. Nibbling coconut and honey.. I think all of this is instinctive and apart from a, she'll he acting as he does, after a molt.
Does that make sense?

I get what you mean. For now just continue offering healing foods and watching him to make sure he doesn't go streaking again. Sounds like he might have gotten stuck under the rock when reemerging and dropped his shell out of panic. Try and give him darkness when you can so he won't be so stressed. Feel free to update whenever you feel the need to.

[Wendy UK]

Thank you x

[Overmountain1]

@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

Absolutely- all of the ones I have lost were pet store PPS crabs that didn’t pull thru for whatever reason they couldn’t express to me... and still it’s such a pitiful little sight I just hate it for them! Which, of course, is how they ended up coming home with me in the first place, me feeling so sorry for them! At least I can say with 99.9% certainty I did everything I could to give them the best possible chance. I have to leave that .1% to my own doubt bc you know, maybe if something had somehow been different somewhere along the line I could’ve helped them.... but probably not. All we can do is all we can do, but for most of us on here that is a lot more than the average... ah! Point being heck yes it’s so easy to get attached right away.
Ok anyway, I hope everyone is having a nice holiday, and wishing a merry Christmas to those who do celebrate it!


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

[RiNiKy506]

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.

I know that’s usually why they drop a shell but she said something about the other crab scaring him, I was just wondering if maybe that could be it, after a shell jacking if now when he sees the other crab he just drops the shell automatically. Could that be a thing?

[wodesorel]

Es will drop their shell to run as fast as possible away from danger. I just knew he was an E by your explanation of the problem. One of my first experiences with an E was when I picked it up and it launched itself naked from its shell to get away from me. They are goosey little things!

I think that yes, its a strong possibility he realized he's faster naked so keeps doing it. I'd make sure there are comparable shells scattered around for him to quickly.

Then other strong possibility is that he is weakened and the shells he keeps choosing are too heavy, so in order to save energy he ditches rather than trying to carry it with him. Shells take a LOT of energy, sometimes their safety is not worth the trade off.

If there is any way for you to iso him through his next molt, I'd recommend it. He needs to calm down and bulk up!

[Wendy UK]

Hi.. He's still alive but looks weak sadly.
I have some very light snail shells (previously discarded by my guys) I'm just boiling them to clean them and pop them in with him when cooled and fresh.
Very interesting about him being an E... Also he loves the salt water whereas the other two prefer the fresh water. There is always so much to learn with these little creatures absolutely fascinating. I keep you posted. X

[Crabby in NJ]

Aww Wendy, so sorry to hear he’s having a rough day today. Truly wishing u and your lil e the best! U both have been in my thoughts, I keep checking in on this post. Godspeed!

[Wendy UK]

My little baby has died.
I can't stop crying tbh.
He was a lovely cheeky crab and I'll miss him so much. .
I hope I did everything I could.
Read a post here about another little person who died and they placed him in a flower pot and put in a little plant.
I shall do that.

Thanks everyone for all help and support.
Sorry I bring bad news
Wendy X

[Hermiesguardian]

I'm sorry.

[CrabbyLover77]

I'm so sorry Wendy!!!

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[RiNiKy506]

I am so sorry for your loss. <3

[Wendy UK]

Bless you all.. Thanks

[wodesorel]

I'm so sorry he didn't make it. It sounds like it was a slow progression of symptoms, which sadly does happen and is impossible to reverse. You tried your absolute hardest!