HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi Just last night I discovered that one of my crabs has developed black and red patches on his legs - which weren't there a week ago. I have had to treat shell rot before, but I just want to check that that is what it is, or if this colouring is normal for an Aussie crab? I just got worried because he didn't have these markings a week ago. I have attached a picture of him - the main areas of concern are on his 2 legs and claw. Thanks!



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To me, that is normal coloration for an E or Aussie. They get darker with age and developing darker stripes on joints and their legs is common. Some will darken in a single molt, others will gradually change over several.

I have noticed with mine (PPs and Es) that they could continue to darken up for quite a while after molts, or even come up with colors or discolored joints that went away in a few weeks. I had a few PPs come up with bright yellow in the soft tissue in the joints, it was freaky! And a couple others that came up neon pink and purple, only to dull down to normal by their next molt. Their exoskeletons shouldn't change while on the surface given that it is a dead shell, but occasionally they will get darker somehow.

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Thank you for replying I am glad to hear that this is normal colouring, and that it isn't shell rot. I am only starting to learn now about all the different colours Aussie and E crabs can change. It's actually quite fascinating! Thanks again

I don't have experience with Aussies - but my Es have the same pin striping on them I wouldn't worry. Shell rot doesn't look like that

GotButterflies wrote:I don't have experience with Aussies - but my Es have the same pin striping on them I wouldn't worry. Shell rot doesn't look like that

Thank you. I am happy to hear that the markings on his legs are normal I just got a little worried because I know that shell rot can be contagious between hermit crabs, and I wanted to make sure that if it was shell rot, that I could treat it quickly, and place him in an isolation tank. I am relived to hear that he is ok thanks for your help!

How do u treat shell rot i think my ee might have it