HCA: Hermit Crab Association

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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

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