Picky Crab- Need help finding right shell, please

[Rgorman]

Hi all. I have three crabs, my oldest (Elderberry) I’ve had for 6 years now and he’s gotten pickier as he’s gotten older. I have 10 shells out that are available to them, a good 5-7 are definitely large enough for him, but he went and stole a molting crabs shell instead (they all went to molt within 1 day of each other so I just left them all in there). I know he’s not happy with the stolen shell either because it’s slightly too small and he keeps checking out all the other shells, but won’t go into them. I did boil them and knocked any compacted dirt out, still won’t change. The only difference is the inside of the worn shells are smoother than the unused shells. Is Elderberry really that picky? What can I do to help him change? TIA!
PS the molting crab was nearly done molting and I got him back into a different shell immediately.

[curlysister]

What species of crabs do you have?
What type of shells are you offering? What type is he in now? What size is he in now? If you don't know the names of the types of shells, can you post a photo?

[Rgorman]

Sorry for the delay. I believe they are all purple pinchers, they have the large purple claws. I’m terrible at determining shell size. I thought I ordered the correct size shells I needed once and they were all way to small. So I just guessed the last time I ordered them. When I originally got him (or her), he was in a painted shell and then jumped right into a green turbo. I’ve always offered turbos, but had gotten a variety pack from Petsmart. He jumped around to different turbos on occasion, but I believe he was in a Melongena prior to molting. When he came out of molting was in his pre-molt shell, checked out all the shells then stole crab #2’s shell, which is a Pearl Tapestry, and was too small for him. He kept window shopping for shells, but ended up back in his pre-molt shell. I know he’s still looking, but I don’t know why he’s won’t pick any of the other shells. I’m going to attach pics also. I just need to figure out how.

[Rgorman]

I tried, but I cannot figure out how to post pics.

[CrabbyLover77]

To post pics you'll need to use an image sharing site, or you can download the Tapatalk app. I like using the app because it makes sharing pics easy.
You'll need to measure the opening of the crabs shell that he's currently in to know what size to buy. I always like to have shells slightly smaller, the same size, and slightly bigger available.

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[Rgorman]

Here are the pics. Thank you explaining how to post pics. The one I am pointing to is the one he stole from another crab (that crab is in a different shell now).




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[Rgorman]

Can anyone help me with this, please? My little guy seems to be still searching for a new shell, but hasn’t gone into any I have. Are the other shells too big? Is there another reason I’m overlooking?


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[CrabbyLover77]

Did you measure the opening of the shell he's in? That way you can make sure to buy something that's a little bigger for him to hop into. Some crabs are just stubborn and refuse to change shells no matter how many options you give them.

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[Rgorman]

Did you measure the opening of the shell he's in? That way you can make sure to buy something that's a little bigger for him to hop into. Some crabs are just stubborn and refuse to change shells no matter how many options you give them.

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I thought I measured correctly before and got ones that were way too small. Can I post pics of the measurements. Maybe I measured wrong?


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[CrabbyLover77]

I thought I measured correctly before and got ones that were way too small. Can I post pics of the measurements. Maybe I measured wrong?


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You probably did it right, but you can def post some pics if you'd like. I just measure the widest part of the shell opening. I have appx 50 shells in my 55 gal. A little while back my crab Mera still decided she had to have another crab's (Ruby) shell. They did end up switching shells with each other, and then Mera left Ruby alone. It's crazy cuz Mera has a ton of options but she still fixated on Ruby's shell.

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[AutumnFalls]

I thought I measured correctly before and got ones that were way too small. Can I post pics of the measurements. Maybe I measured wrong?


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I'd check a few things about measurements. Make sure you're using the same units (cm vs inches) and double check that the measurements are shell opening not whole shell. I've made that mistake a time or two.

[wodesorel]

My guess would be that he's looking for lighter weight shells. The one you are pointing to is the only Turbo petholatus (Tapestry Turbo, can come with different designs ground into them) in the group. That species is a favorite among purple pinchers. The other favorite shell is Turbo fluctuosus (Mexican turbo, Striped Turbo, it doesn't have a set common name and it can come polished as well). The fluctuosus has been found often at hobby lobby lately, $5 for a nice sized bag of them. (Back when I had 60 some crabs, they were split evenly between these two types of shells even with tons of other options available. I always recommend them the most as its a good investment. Crabs will size up happily with these two types of shells so going a little bigger won't be a waste of funds.)

The other shells you have pictured are heavy. Now, the crabs will wear them, but in my experience once they get a taste for the two species above they get fussy and won't want these heavier shells anymore. I'm seeing gold mouth and silver mouth turbos, which can be a few different species all using the same common name. The shells also look a bit aged and missing that smooth mother of pearl interior the crabs normally prefer, that can come from physical wear (sand grinding them) or from acidic conditions (moss or cocofiber).

[Jlmills525]

Mexican turbos are very light weight as well.. i find them on Etsy in large packs for not to terrible a price

[Rgorman]

My guess would be that he's looking for lighter weight shells. The one you are pointing to is the only Turbo petholatus (Tapestry Turbo, can come with different designs ground into them) in the group. That species is a favorite among purple pinchers. The other favorite shell is Turbo fluctuosus (Mexican turbo, Striped Turbo, it doesn't have a set common name and it can come polished as well). The fluctuosus has been found often at hobby lobby lately, $5 for a nice sized bag of them. (Back when I had 60 some crabs, they were split evenly between these two types of shells even with tons of other options available. I always recommend them the most as its a good investment. Crabs will size up happily with these two types of shells so going a little bigger won't be a waste of funds.)

The other shells you have pictured are heavy. Now, the crabs will wear them, but in my experience once they get a taste for the two species above they get fussy and won't want these heavier shells anymore. I'm seeing gold mouth and silver mouth turbos, which can be a few different species all using the same common name. The shells also look a bit aged and missing that smooth mother of pearl interior the crabs normally prefer, that can come from physical wear (sand grinding them) or from acidic conditions (moss or cocofiber).

Sorry for the delay, I have been incredibly busy. So, s/he ended up going into a larger shell of the exact design of the smaller Mexican Turbo that I was pointing to. I think I will invest in the shells you said. Thank you for the tips!


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