Skip a size or two?

Smalladie · Post by **Smalladie** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:01 pm

I haven't had a chance to introduce myself, but I'm Manda, I've been crabbing for about 3 months with about 2 months worth of research previous to that.

I have a 20 gal tank with about 5.5 inches of EE/Playsand mix, temp & humidity are right on the money with organic veggies and fruit as well as frozen krill for food, salt and fresh water for drinking and a salt water pool. I have all PPs: 3 small, 1 small/med(Blueberri) and 1 medium (Harley). Everyone went down for a molt and 2 of the smalls have made it back up safe and sound. They really didn't change much in size but they both have pretty new nails and colors.

I couldn't stand it any longer so moved my tank a couple minutes ago to peek under thru the windows of my two larger ones and HOLY COW Blueberri jumped way past my Harley in size.

All I can really make out are the legs but his BP is now pushing between the size of a nickle and quarter.
Is it normal for hermies to grow so much between molts?

Guess I'm glad my father's giving me his 55 gal tomorrow, I may out grow my 20 gal once these guys decide to surface.

sugarselections · Post by **sugarselections** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:29 pm

While not totally common, it's not unusual for a crab to have a major growth spurt while molting. Over my years of crabbing there have been a few times when I barely recognized a crab who had resurfaced from molting because he changed so much in size or coloration.

I'veGotCrabs · Post by **I'veGotCrabs** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:32 pm

yeah, also I've noticed that the crabs who tend to shell swap for what appears to be a huge shell at the time end up growing a lot too. I had one choose a nice shell but it was about 4 sizes too big, but grew into it in 2 molts and had to swap again. It's not uncommon.

Post by **wodesorel** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 7:13 pm

I've had many PPs double in size in one molt.

It's very shocking, I agree! Giggles was probably the most surprising as his largest claw tripled in size during a very short molt. They are amazing and confusing creatures, aren't they?

Smalladie · Post by **Smalladie** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 7:22 pm

I'veGotCrabs wrote:yeah, also I've noticed that the crabs who tend to shell swap for what appears to be a huge shell at the time end up growing a lot too. I had one choose a nice shell but it was about 4 sizes too big, but grew into it in 2 molts and had to swap again. It's not uncommon.

He did change into a pretty large shell right before. I remember thinking it was a really big shell for him to chose.
Thanks guys!

nancat · Post by **nancat** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:21 am

Yep, I just had the same thing happen when my Kimi came up from a molt, which btw took about 2 months!!!! :crabbigsmile:

I'm going to post some pictures soon on this topic