Tip of leg turning black?
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Topic author - Posts: 19
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Tip of leg turning black?
My hermit crab is usually a gray-ish color, but today I noticed the tip of his leg was turning black. I read in the archives that it meant his leg was dying, but I don't know why it would be dying? Does that mean he is dying?
Could he have an infection? My other two crabs are buried down/molting, should I isolate him?
He hasn't moved for a few hours, and I'm afraid to disturb him too much so I haven't gotten a picture yet, but if I need to, I can.
Could he have an infection? My other two crabs are buried down/molting, should I isolate him?
He hasn't moved for a few hours, and I'm afraid to disturb him too much so I haven't gotten a picture yet, but if I need to, I can.
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
Please take one if you can. They should have little black claws at the ends of their legs.HermitCrabFan wrote:My hermit crab is usually a gray-ish color, but today I noticed the tip of his leg was turning black. I read in the archives that it meant his leg was dying, but I don't know why it would be dying? Does that mean he is dying?
Could he have an infection? My other two crabs are buried down/molting, should I isolate him?
He hasn't moved for a few hours, and I'm afraid to disturb him too much so I haven't gotten a picture yet, but if I need to, I can.
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
Lile SG said, it might be their little 'toes' that your seeing. A picture will definitely help, so I'd recommend doing one if possible.
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
Okay, I got a couple pictures of him earlier today and he was still in the same spot as yesterday but he was sitting out of his shell. He curled back up when I came close to the tank, and has stayed like that for a while. Now that I could get a better look at him today there's a couple of other dark gray-ish spots on him, such as on his large claw.


I'm sorry I couldn't get a better picture my phone camera is horrible. In the picture it kind-of(?) looks like he's covered with a little bit of dirt, but that's not dirt. That's the spots I'm talking about.


I'm sorry I couldn't get a better picture my phone camera is horrible. In the picture it kind-of(?) looks like he's covered with a little bit of dirt, but that's not dirt. That's the spots I'm talking about.
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
How long was he in that position for?
One or hopefully two Clypeatus
Goodbye my little E. See you soon.
Bye Fred. You lasted almost 4 years with me. Hope you're with my E now! See you soon Reeba as well. I can't believe I lost you only after a month.
Crabbing for 4 years!
Goodbye my little E. See you soon.
Bye Fred. You lasted almost 4 years with me. Hope you're with my E now! See you soon Reeba as well. I can't believe I lost you only after a month.
Crabbing for 4 years!
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
Okay...that is an E...and he just molted. Those black sharp points are an indication of a fresh molt
They tend to wear away over time due to lots of climbing
Nothing to worry about!!! 
Es have a specific way of "folding their legs when they go back into their shell.
I would put him so his shell is facing down 



Es have a specific way of "folding their legs when they go back into their shell.


Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
Agree with GB. Except that my aussies then to rest in a similar position, with the shell up like that. I'd personally just leave him be.
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Infrequently on due to studies, on a little more on in FB group
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Topic author - Posts: 19
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
Just found him dead today.
He was in that position for 2-3 days all together. It's been a few weeks, maybe a month since he molted. I was afraid he was going to surface molt, but I guess not. It looks like his abdomen was turning black/dark gray as well. Do you guys think I should worry about my two molters?

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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
Even though its hard not too, i wouldn't stress too much about them. Continue to offer good conditions and see if they do well.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
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|| Avid Aquarist Addict (2007) || Crazy Crabbing Connoisseur (2012) || Amateur Aroid Admirer (2014) ||
I strive to make HCA a welcoming space for all
Infrequently on due to studies, on a little more on in FB group
I strive to make HCA a welcoming space for all
Infrequently on due to studies, on a little more on in FB group
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Re: Tip of leg turning black?
I am sorry for your loss.
One or hopefully two Clypeatus
Goodbye my little E. See you soon.
Bye Fred. You lasted almost 4 years with me. Hope you're with my E now! See you soon Reeba as well. I can't believe I lost you only after a month.
Crabbing for 4 years!
Goodbye my little E. See you soon.
Bye Fred. You lasted almost 4 years with me. Hope you're with my E now! See you soon Reeba as well. I can't believe I lost you only after a month.
Crabbing for 4 years!