Surface molting or dying?

[Kbusby]

This is my Ecuadorean crab that I have had for six years. I returned home to find him like this out of his shell, I'm not sure what I should do, he has never surface molted before. There is only one other crab in the tank, should I move him and leave the molting one to not stress him out more? Should I cover him up with a coconut house or some other thing? I want to give him the best chance.

Thank you!

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Definitely cover him but for moving him that us a tough one since you don't know why this is happening. What would you move him to if you did?

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[Kbusby]

I have a 10 gal tank that used to house some crabs, I'd set it up again. He is in a 20 gal with a pretty big purple pincher so maybe I move the purple guy instead and leave the molter? He is still movig his legs but has not gone back into his shell, so I don't think that the process has completely started yet.

[Brthome85]

That is what I would do for now. Also take pictures. I have never seen a surface molt

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[KellyCrabbieLove]

Taking pictures will stress him out. Just cover him up and the tank too so it will be completely dark and leave him alone. There is a thread around here of a surface molt with pics. Don't stress this guy out more.

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[wodesorel]

It really could be either. I've never found them to hang like that when molting. There are pictures of the process here: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=82577

[KellyCrabbieLove]

Ty Wode! I was looking for the pictures!

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