HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So, I have seen neither antenna nor claw from either of my 2 crabbies for like 2 months now and I am starting to get concerned about whether or not they are alive at this point because they have never taken this long to molt before. They are small-medium sized tending more towards medium and so maybe this is normal as they are obviously growing each time and so I am guessing that each molt will be progressively longer but I just wanted to check and see if 2 months is abnormal for a molt time? I have been regularly performing the "sniff test" of the tank every time I check on them as I am well acquainted with the smell of crabs that have gone to crabby heaven from the follies of my youth when I had them as a kid but I haven't smelled anything off at all. Anyway, I am rambling so I will stop. Just wanted to get a little bit of advice. Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

I've had them down for almost 4 months, talk about nerve wracking. I've got one down now that I'm pretty sure is gone, but there is no smell, so am waiting. It's been 5 months or so.

Sent from my SM-J337A using Tapatalk

I wouldn't be too concerned yet.

Each crab has a different time frame for how long it takes for them to molt. A lot depends on their size. When all of our crabs are down, we tend to call our tanks pet sand I know it's hard, but try to be patient. If your tank specs are on point, they are doing fine!

Kaladin finally emerged this morning and is so much bigger and PURPLE! He was usually my lighter one so I had to check the sex to identify him because he looked so different from when he went down! Here's a before and after comparison. First one is today!

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Another Pic of my recently returned crabby eating some cuttlebone! Excuse the quality but he's my shy guy and if I had gotten any closer, he would have run away! I am just so happy to see him that I keep checking in on him! I actually squealed, "Crabby!" when I saw him above ground this morning! Most people don't get my excitement about these small things but I am glad to have a place where everyone can understand the joy of seeing a crab return after a successful molt! Now we just have to wait for Shallan! Claws crossed she is successful too.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

I have two small PPs and they tend to be gone for around 3-4 weeks at a time. It really depends on the age and its good to remember all crabs are a little different. Some might just feel the need to hang out underground for longer periods of time! Glad to see one has returned and looks healthy!