Molting or Stressed?

[praecipuae]

Hello,

Recently one of my two bigger crabs began digging in his transport tank and buried himself under. As I did not have the right equipment to leave him there (no heat lamps or humidifier + leaving that night) I had to dig him up to get him back to the right containment. When I did so (carefully using a spoon) I found him moving and active under the sand. So far, in the main tank he has been eating and drinking normally, but digging lots of holes. Does this sound like stress? Normal burrowing behavior? Molting? I would look for the grey sac people have mentioned, but this crab is under a no/low handle rule as he tends to become aggressive to anyone who picks him up. His previous owner never caught his last molt, so I would not know if he's due or not as I've only had the crabs for 3 months, give or take.

My tank is 20 gallons, plenty of toys, foliage, and climbing areas. 6 inches of substrate for two 1.5 inch crabs and a .5 inch young crab. Salt and fresh water offered on routine basis, + freshly frozen food replaced every two days. He's never burrowed during any of the moves I've made (I travel between houses a lot and none of them have exhibited signs of stress that I could catch) so I feel like that might rule out stress burrowing.

Thanks!

[myllkti]

It could be either. Either way, it sounds like it’s time to just sit back and let him do his thing. Sorry I couldn’t put a finger on it, but it doesn’t sound like anything needs interference currently. Hope someone else can help add some relevant info for you

[JoeHermits]

He’s probably just bored. If he needs some time underground he’ll disappear when he wants to.


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