Dead or molting
Dead or molting
My large crab I've had for over 3 years is either dead or molting...he's not moved in weeks but isn't falling out of his shell like I'd expect if he was dead. His eyes look dried out and doesn't move at all if I pick him up. He's always been healthy and molted quite a few times since I've had him. He doesn't really smell like the others I've had that have passed so I'm not sure what to do. I put him in a iso tank by himself and check on him everyday but nothing. I'm pretty sure he's dead but I don't want to make the assumption prematurely if he's surface molting. He hasn't moved in weeks not to eat, drink or anything. Please help!
Re: Dead or molting
Is he hanging out of his shell? Does his exo look ashy?
It could be either, but you're doing the right thing by keeping him in ISO, especially if there isn't a death smell yet.
I'm not sure how long they'd stay in that position if it is a surface molt, because I know you said he's been that way for weeks. I'm sure someone else more experienced in this area will chime in shortly.
It could be either, but you're doing the right thing by keeping him in ISO, especially if there isn't a death smell yet.
I'm not sure how long they'd stay in that position if it is a surface molt, because I know you said he's been that way for weeks. I'm sure someone else more experienced in this area will chime in shortly.
Re: Dead or molting
Tagging @GotButterflies
Sent from my VS835 using Tapatalk
Sent from my VS835 using Tapatalk
Crabbing since Dec. 2010!
35 Crabbies - 28 PP's, 2 E's, 2 Straw's, 1 Viola, & 2 Indo's
35 Crabbies - 28 PP's, 2 E's, 2 Straw's, 1 Viola, & 2 Indo's
-
LadyJinglyJones
- Posts: 2115
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2016 12:01 pm
- Location: The 6ix, Ontario, Canada
Re: Dead or molting
Regarding moults: the moult itself takes only a brief span (less than 30 minutes to shuck the old exo off), but prior to & especially after, a crab may be extremely lethargic due to what you might consider bodily flux - the intense physical changes that go hand in hand with shedding your whole skin/skeleton and then building up a new one. They can't really always move prior to a moult.
As crabs get older and larger this takes longer because it requires more & more energy to pull off.
If your crab has entered a premoult state above ground it is about to be a surface moult. I can only recommend treating this as a surface moult & continuing to ISO, keep dark, and maintain humidity. Your crab may or may not make it. I assume from your description that he's at least experiencing a challenging moult.
My fingers are crossed for him! All you can do is provide the conditions & the rest is up to him.
As crabs get older and larger this takes longer because it requires more & more energy to pull off.
If your crab has entered a premoult state above ground it is about to be a surface moult. I can only recommend treating this as a surface moult & continuing to ISO, keep dark, and maintain humidity. Your crab may or may not make it. I assume from your description that he's at least experiencing a challenging moult.
My fingers are crossed for him! All you can do is provide the conditions & the rest is up to him.
"Gaze upon the rolling deep..."
Quince the fat tailed gecko; Amazonian minnows; and now Harry & Luis, Bede & Aster, Chandra & Jace, Pax, & Piccolo, my adopted PPs.
RIP Vegita :(
Quince the fat tailed gecko; Amazonian minnows; and now Harry & Luis, Bede & Aster, Chandra & Jace, Pax, & Piccolo, my adopted PPs.
RIP Vegita :(