Crab stuck?

[Adamjameskelley]

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Eco Earth. 6+ inches

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes. Mid way up glass 80 degrees F and 85 humidity. Same as outside temp. Summer in Maine.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
None. Summer.

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Fresh and salt. Zoo med.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Shrimp flakes. 2x week

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
2 years. Unknown.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
10 gallon tank. Fish tank lid.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs. Half dollar size.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
4 to 5

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Replace substrate and boil accessories. Every 6 months

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
No

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
Crab appears stuck in shell. A leg is in front (outside) of the claw when trying to retreat into shell. It cannot seal opening with large claw because of weirdly positioned leg. Seems in awkward position and not very responsive. Lethargic. Is still alive. Can see antenna movement.

.

[The Crab Maid]

He could just be getting ready to molt. They tend to get lethargic, and sometimes pick smaller shells when they're getting ready to molt.

Are you able to get pictures?

[Adamjameskelley]

Thank you. Sorry for the false alarm he is out this morning. But very lethargic. I hope he's about to molt and not sickly. Love that this forum exists! Thanks again!

[curlysister]

Just a couple of things that could be improved in your tank, my suggestions are below:


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Eco Earth. 6+ inches

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes. Mid way up glass 80 degrees F and 85 humidity. Same as outside temp. Summer in Maine.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
None. Summer.

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Fresh and salt. Zoo med.
Curly - You will need to get a dechlorinator such as Prime. And marine salt such as Instant Ocean. The Zoo Med you have won't remove all the necessary chemicals and won't provide all the necessary minerals needed for long term health. See the Water care sheet for more info.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Shrimp flakes. 2x week
Curly - Crabs need a varied diet, which includes protein and calcium daily. Commercial food is not considered safe. They can eat many of the same things we can, if they are organic. See the Food care sheet and the Food Pyramid for more info.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
2 years. Unknown.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No.
Curly - It is concerning that they have not molted in two years.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
10 gallon tank. Fish tank lid.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs. Half dollar size.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
4 to 5
Curly - HCA recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab. There are correct and incorrect shells to buy - see the Shells care sheet for info.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Replace substrate and boil accessories. Every 6 months
Curly - with proper substrate, it does not need to be replaced unless there is an emergency such as a bacterial bloom. Many of us use a mix of play sand and EE, it is cheaper than EE alone and it holds the moisture to help with both humidity and proper consistency. It needs to be moist enough to hold it's shape, but not so wet that water pools. In the almost 9 years of having my crabs, I have never replaced all the substrate, I have just added to it.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
No

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?