Molting crab in uncovered hole!

[stevenc]

Does anyone know what happened?
Naked crab in substrate and shell is tossed somewhere else.
I am also encountering this.

[hermieluv1]

This is definitely a case of an attack by another crab. It happens occasionally. The active crab(s) go digging, knowing they might find a molter (in other words, a tasty snack), and once they do, they rip it from it's shell, which results in missing legs, eat it's exo if it is still there, and steal the shell. Sometimes the shell is left behind.

A lot of times, these crabs don't make it to the surface, and all you will find is an empty shell and pieces of crab strewn around. Since this is my first (that I have found alive), I am making it a point to check the holes that are dug, as much as possible. Sometimes they are just too deep, and I don't want to go digging too much for fear of disturbing an undisturbed molter.

I was lucky (actually the crab I found was very lucky) that I noticed the tip of her claw move, otherwise, I would have filled in the hole as I had several before I got to that one. If you read my original post, I had figured that she had dug the hole and was preparing to molt or just hanging out, but I got a bad feeling, and the one part of her leg that was visible was soft to the touch. So I removed the hide that I had put over the hole, and there she was, with only 3 legs, digging her way to the surface! What strength of character that takes!

Please read my post and that of Wodesorel (see my recent post about locating a thread about attacked molter care) if you have one of these situations. Their care is specific and important. Maybe start your own post so we can help if needed. Good luck to you and your crab.

[CallaLily]

So glad to hear she's eating!

[hermieluv1]

Thanks, Calla! I was SO surprised when she popped out at me last night, especially under the magnifying glass!

[stevenc]

Thanks for your detailed reply.
I cannot find the thread on attacked molter care which you mentioned. You have the link to it?
I hope your crab is recovering well

[hermieluv1]

viewtopic.php?t=82507

This is it! And mine is still eating and drinking sand gel limbs are forming!

[YYWW]

I loved that thread I read it and coveted the knowledge from it.


Crabbers unite!!!