HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I have had this crab (Bernie) since August 2023, he is a larger crab, and his current size is 1 1/2 - 2-inch opening. Overall, he has eaten well and been very active and he is alone in a 20-gal tank. Tank is kept between 75-80 F; humidity is always high 80%+ with 7inch sand and coco fiber substrate and a salt and freshwater pool. Food is mixture of fresh and dry. He had a tank mate (Ernie) who he dug up and ate during its molt back in July 2024, the Ernie was smaller (1inch shell opening). I have a camera, and he is kept in my room so I can hear when he is moving above and below the sand. Recently he went down around November/December I cannot quite remember, but this isn't unusual as he would periodically go down for a few days to a week at a time. It has been about 4 months of no movement, I don't hear anything at night (his movement always wakes me up) or during the day. I understand larger crabs take time to molt but to hear absolutely no movement under the sand is very concerning, and I am thinking he has passed away. I was going to wait until July as that would be 8 months since he went down but it has been bothering me lately because of the no moment. Should I wait or gently dig around to see if he has passed?

If he went down sometime in December, it might only be 3 months. I'd wait another month before digging.

I agree with Curly to wait a bit. My oldest and biggest crab went under at the end of Dec. He usually takes 3 months to resurface. I'm patiently awaiting his arrival at the end of March lol. It's crazy nerve-wracking for sure though. I'm glad he only does it once/year. I will have had him for 13 years this year.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

Thank you, I will wait longer and hope he comes up!

PeonyTealeaf wrote:Thank you, I will wait longer and hope he comes up!

Keep us updated for sure!

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

This morning I heard some movement under the sand and by the time I got home this evening I can see the top of his shell emerging! Thank you for the words of encouragement

Yay that's so awesome!!

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

Right on!