Hermit crab rocking another crab?

[Wendy UK]

Hi all

Something I've never seen before... One of my crabs was rocking (quite strongly) one of my other crabs (who went deep into his shell) from side to side for quite a long time! I felt I had to separate them to either ends of the tank.

Was this because he was trying to get his shell? Or something else? Now the 'rocked' crab has gone down .
Any ideas??

[Hermiesguardian]

How many extra shells do you provide? Do they get calcoum and protein daily?

[Wendy UK]

Hi there are loads of shells in tank, and I believe good diet plenty of calcium and protein.
Maybe I should have added.. The 'rocked' crab has literally come up from a 7 week molt. And the other crab is new, bigger and not met him before...??

[JoeHermits]

It’s also possible that the new crab is trying to establish itself in the colony’s hierarchy.

Keep offering plenty of protein, calcium, and shells. If it’s just because the crab is new this should sort itself out.


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[Wendy UK]

Hi JoeHermits!

I was afraid he might try to eat him

Newbie has already met the other one I've got (3 altog now)
And he was smaller and kinda acts like a sweetie and follows the newbie around no problem with them..
I'll add even more shells, bump up the calc. and protein though.

I know newly molted crabs are a bit vulnerable at first... I'll keep close eye on.

As usual invaluable advise/reassurance x

[wodesorel]

It is fighting, which can have a few different causes. I'd go with him having just molted and is still smelling yummy. Crabs are opportunistic, and other crabs are the perfect meal if they can get it without it being a huge risk. Even with a perfect diet and perfect conditions, they are still going to do what nature urges them to. They are built for times of plenty and for times of nothingness, they have zero understanding that they are being cared for regularly!

[Wendy UK]

Thanks.. I'll keep a very close eye on them