I accidentally disturbed my molting crab!

[Mmoore]

I’ve had him for about 5 years and he has molted many times. I went to add more moisture to the tank yesterday and only one of my two crabs was out and about. I’ve done this before when one was buried, so I usually very carefully figure out where they are buried by sticking a finger into the substrate until I find the buried shell and avoid that area when adding water for moisture. This time I did that and didn’t find a shell, but rather Dustin’s naked body buried instead, with no shell around! I wasn’t sure what it was and moved him, but realized it was him after I lifted him partly out of the substrate! I then saw exoskeleton meat him and realized he was molting, but he’s never been naked like this that I know of. I did find exoskeleton near him so I know he had molted. I buried him again but the read somewhere not to do that for fear of suffocation, so I carefully brought him back to the top. Now I’m freaking out because a) I disturbed him and b) he’s naked and hasn’t moved at all since I left him alone. Did I kill him inadvertently???? I’m so worried!!

[Motörcrab]

You will need to carefully uncover your crab and put it in an isolation tank with its exo. Reburying your crab can kill it.

The Iso tank doesn't have to be anything fancy. A small critter keeper inside your tank or a small food container. As long as other crabs can't get at the molter. It doesn't need much substrate, an inch is probably more than enough. Even moist paper towels can work. Add a small hide into the ISO, anything that will give a dark area for your your guy to hide and feel safe. Place him along with the Eco under the hide and let him be. Once he finishes eating his exo you can offer brine shrimp eggs, blood worms, honey and other soft foods.

Maintain a 12/12 hour day/night light schedule and normal heat/humidity in the ISO tank.