Molting or Dead?

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 2:34 am

Just got my 3 crabs on Friday. This morning, woke up to find a crab out of the shell in that corner that one had dug up. Not sure if it was the same one that was sitting there or if another stole its shell. I don't even know if it's alive I took some pics hoping someone can help me. I don't know if it's molting or if another crab killed it for its shell Are the extra shells I have in there not suitable? The one that was in that corner had on the red shell which is now over by the lounge chair, and that's where the one who had the blue shell that is now over by the naked crab always hung out. Also, any advice you can give me about my setup is appreciated. Thanks!pics: http://s46.photobucket.com/use...melo76/library/Crabs

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:02 am

is there a weird fishy smell coming from the crab in the corner??

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:11 am

No, no smell yet, but this would have happened overnight, so not sure if it's even been long enough. The shell looks cracked that's the main thing that worries me.

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:13 am

And I don't think that link of the pics worked, so here's a new one: http://s46.photobucket.com/use...melo76/library/Crabs

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 3:32 am

its kinda hard for me to tell, as i am new to this as well, let me look around and see what i can find to help you out

HermitCrabby_LHC · Post by **HermitCrabby_LHC** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 5:20 am

Can you please answer the emergency forum questions?

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 5:37 am

Here is a link to my newbie post which I think answers all the questions:http://landhermitcrabs.com/eve...5101988/m/9064029438

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:01 am

http://landhermitcrabs.com/eve...890101 ... 710025this is what they need filled out it makes it easy for us to read quickly and to be able to help faster in seted of going back to the other thread to read and try and find teh info

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:36 am

Just got the 3 PP crabs on Friday.10 gallon tank with mesh screen lid, which I have mostly covered w/ clear packing tape to keep humidity and temp higher.UTH attached to side for heat (ZooMed brand for 10-20 gallon size tank)ZooMed sand that came with the kit, along with a bit of the "brick" stuff sprinkled around, between one and two inches deep, sand castle consistency... I know I need to replace the sand with play sand instead and make it deeper, but want to wait until this one is done molting, if that's what it's doing, before doing so.Dechlorinated with ZooMed product that came with kit, Salt water as well, also made with ZooMed product that came with kit.Did have ZooMed food that came with kit in there, along with coconut shavings I bought, but found out that food wasn't safe, so I took it out this morning. I also put in some cut up baby carrot yesterday, took that out this morning and added some lettuce and boiled egg/egg shell.Haven't handled at all since we just got Friday I am trying to leave them alone for a month. Don't plan on misting or bathing though. Figure they can bathe if they want.Temp/Humidity gauges are mounted to opposite side of tank from heater, so I figure that's the coolest area of the tank. The temp there is around 72-74, humidity 80-85.

Crabber85 · Post by **Crabber85** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:38 am

The shelles crab in your picture appears to be an Ecuadorian or E and these crabs prefer shells with a D shaped opening due to the fact that the E has a flat short abdomen.Hermitcrabs in general don't give up their shells easily and E are even more obstinate about doing so and will allow themselves to be ripped apart rather than willing give up their shell so the fact that your crab appears to be whole with no missing limbs indicates that it was too weak to hang onto the shell and ditched it possibly due to injury or aggression from a tank mate.The best thing you can do is to isolate the streaker with several suitable shells and try to keep the iso dim, humid and warm if it has the energy it will re-shell on it's own but if not please be prepared for it not to make it.Unfortunately E's tend to be much more delicate than PP or purple pinchers which makes them a bit harder to care for and much more prone to stress illness.

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 7:18 am

I thought they were PP's because I clearly saw purple pinchers on them when they were in the take home container from the pet store. The more I look at the one in the corner, the more I think it is an exo. I can't see anything inside the shell right by it, but is it possible that it gets so far in there after it molts that you can't see anything? Or maybe it buried itself in the sand nearby? I don't want to go poking around and disturb it if it is a molt. I guess I'll know soon enough if it starts to smell.

finalfantasyxii · Post by **finalfantasyxii** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:09 am

So perhaps a surface molt? I say try to keep him safe from the other crabs and keep some food near the area without disturbing him. It looks like an E to me, too!Hope he makes it! Keep us posted!!

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:18 am

No smell yet and it's been at least 12 hours since it's been that way. I haven't seen any movement at all though. I wish one of you with experience could just come over and have a look!

finalfantasyxii · Post by **finalfantasyxii** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:25 am

I wish I could come over!! I don't suppose you're anywhere near Ventura...? LOLAlthough I'm not that experienced now you mention it. I would just like to help...

Crabber85 · Post by **Crabber85** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 8:30 am

@Marshmelo76, judging by the first picture on the link you gave us the body color is consistent with an e and not a pp so you likely bought two pp's and an e as the people at the pet store rarely know the difference between the two species.lolIf you could get a clearer pic of the streaker it would definitely help us getter a better handle on whats happened with it or to it.In any even a surface molt wont be easy on the crab and in most circumstances ends with the crab dieing unfortunately.Judging by the picture this does not appear to be a surface molt rather a shell dumping or very possibly a shell dispute between the streaker/victim and the aggressor.You can easily tell if what your looking as it an old discarded exo by grasping one of the limbs if it feels light and like you could crush it easily then your looking at an old exo but if not then your looking at a hermit which has streaked and needs all the extra help it can get at the moment.For a ten gallon tank you actually need a uth pad rated for a 30 gallon to get the appropriate temp boost as these pads weren't designed for use on hermitcrab enclosures they have to be back or side mounted on the enclosure which is an albeit safer but much less efficient means of using the pad so a unit rated for your specific enclosure size will not work so you have to use one 3x's the recommended size to get the desired effect.Your temp gauge is showing a unilateral temp across the entire enclosure and not what the cool end would be unfortunately which means your temp is much too low with the absolute low being 75 degrees your uth is missing the mark by nearly 3 which is putting your crabs at risk and is likely the reason for the streak acting erratically.You need to address the temp issue as soon as possible meaning for now the tank needs to be moved into the warmest room of your house if it is not already and you really need to get the appropriate size uth very soon.Please don't take anything I've said as sarcasm or negative criticism.