Above ground molt or dead

[Jenn_h97]

One of my hermit crabs is emitting a fishy smell and is partially out of his shell and on top of all substrate, not even partially buried. I gave him a small nudge and he did not react at all, his antennae are also not moving. I know it’s common to be confused about whether a crab is dead or just molting but since he is above ground I wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this. I know it is possible for crabs to molt above the substrate but I am a first time crab owner and wasn’t sure what to do besides wait and see.

[crabs_lex]

if it is a strong fishy odor and he is not moving then i’m afraid he has passed

[CrabbyLover77]

I agree with crabs_lex. A fishy smell usually indicates the crab has passed. I'm sorry.
If you'd like, you could fill out the emergency template so we can get an insight into your tank conditions and maybe make suggestions. Also, it may be nothing to do with her current environment, and just the stress of being in the pet trade.

http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 27&t=46102

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