Crab came up from molt with missing limbs

[KristenL0522]

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?

Mix of eco mix and sand. It is probably 5 inches. It has settled some and I do need to add some more sand to it. But they have all been down

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes. Temp usually stays around 75-80 and I have been struggling with humidity since the winter. I have gas heat and it is pulling the moisture from the tank. Sometimes it is 75 and sometimes it is high 60’s. I spray the tank and soak the moss.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
2 zoo med mats on the side and it is wrapped in reflective on the back and one side.

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Both fresh and salt in containers deep enough to submerge in.
Prime treated and instant ocean

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I get food from a few shops on Etsy. Mary’s shop and another shop. I replace it around once a week. I keep a variety of things and a bowl with foraging things. Shrimp and meal worms.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Had the crab since August I think. If it is the right one (I can’t keep them straight they go up and down and change so much lol)
She was a rescue from someone who had them in not too good of conditions from my understanding.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
She molted not too long after I got her and was up for a while and then molted again and recently came up missing limbs.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
29 gallon tank with a glass lid on top.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 smallish crabs and all PP’s

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
15 or so

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I don’t clean it. Just scoop food out that is no longer good.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
No

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?
I do not handle them at all. I have a camera that I watch and keep up with them oh.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

Was watching the feed from last night and noticed the last crab has come up. They were all molting at one time and came up one by one. One of them went down without a little pincher and didn’t come back up with one (that I can tell). The one in question went down fine but came up without a big pincher and another limb on that side. From what I know there has been no fights. Seems to be getting around well but my question is should I isolate her? I have a small 10 gallon I could set up for her if needed but bot sure if it is necessary.
Thanks in advance!!

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[JoeHermits]

Okay, do you have one crab missing a small claw and one missing a big claw? Or is it the same one with no claws?

If it's two crabs missing one claw each I would keep an eye on them but not take further action unless they show signs of aggression towards each other.

If it's one crab with no claws it'll have to be isolated and hand-fed until it molts back both its claws.

[curlysister]

Agree with Joe, but wanted to clarify about your heaters.
If they are the Zoo Med brand, which has a sticky side that you stick them to the outside of the tank with - those ones can not be insulated over top as it is a fire hazard. You can put the insulation around them but not over top.

[KristenL0522]

It is 2 separate crabs that are missing the claws. And yes it is not insulated over it. They are cut out around it. Guess I should’ve been more specific in that. I read that they can be a fire hazard so I did do that. Thanks for the advice though y’all!! I thought maybe that was best but with him/her missing the big claw and a limb on that same side kind of bothered me.

[curlysister]

That's good - I didn't want you to be burning things down! LOL!

[KristenL0522]

Girlllll me either lol thank you!