HCA: Hermit Crab Association • Naked Crab!

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Naked Crab!

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:27 pm

by AmberD

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?
Aquarium tank sand and some sort of reptile mulch type stuff mixed together

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?
Temp yes. Its normally about 75 and i keep them by a window. I mist them with a sprayer like 3 times a day until the top layer of sand is quite moist when I work but more if I'm home.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
50w basking light that I just got last week.

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)?
I have pet store salt and fresh water that i change every few days both "bowels" have sponges

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
They have been getting a variety of stuff from broccoli and sliced up fruits a mineral block pellets shaved coconut and either peanut butter or tuna changed either daily or every other day depending on what they get

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
My daughter just got them for her birthday like 3 weeks ago. They were a surprise for everyone.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Im pretty sure it molted. Theres a "skin" on one side of the tank that all of the crabs seem to be periodically eating?

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
An octagon tank. It's pretty big but not sure of the gallons. It has a plexiglass lid with lots of holes drilled in. (The cats broke the mesh lid when there were fish in the tank but the cats dont seem to care about the crabs)

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 crabs total. Two are large size by pet store standards and one small one

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
6 including the shell that has been abandoned

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

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I haven't yet since I've just gotten them

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes. I ran it under hot tap water and softened it then squeezed it and put it in the dishes.

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.
One of my larger crabs I think molted this morning and seemed really active was running all over the place and was not being chased or bother by the other crabs periodically eating his molted skin and is refusing to take a new shell. I have many options for him and left in the one he abandoned. Hes been naked for about 12 or more hours and I'm worried about him drying out? Hes no longer active and is just sitting in the corner of the tank curled up. Hes still moving his antennae around and is alive but I didnt think they should be out of a shell this long? HELP!

.

Re: Naked Crab!

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:02 pm

by FJrocks003

1) I wouldn't use sand meant for aquariums or mulch in general. The best thing to use as substrate is a mixture of 5 parts play sand and 1 part eco earth/coconut fiber. Also make sure it is AT LEAST 6 inches deep.
2) 75 temp is good though I would try to aim for 80. A humidity gauge is important. Also, I would not put your tank by a window because the direct sunlight can cause bacteria to grow in the tank.
3) Is the light you have a light or just a heater? If it's a light then you will need something else to heat the tank at night.
4) It is a problem if all the crabs are eating the exoskeleton. The molter needs to eat it him/herself.
5) You should keep 5 shells in the tank per crab. This can be less depending on the crab's and tank's size.
6) It is not recommended to use sponges in your water because they can harbor bacteria that is harmful to the crabs. Instead either put some rocks or shells on one side of the bowls or a mesh ladder to allow them to climb out.

As for your shelless crab are you saying that he came out of his molt without a shell? Crabs molt with their shells so this should not happen. One thing that could have happened is that because the other crabs ate some of his old exoskeleton for him, his new one did not fully develop and the shell he was in irritated the new skin. I'm not sure the this is the case, it could be something totally different, such as a fungus infestation from either the sponges or the sunlight. The best thing you can do for him now is to separate him from the other crabs so they don't take advantage of him being so vulnerable. Next you have to give him lots of shells to switch into as he pleases. Give him salt and fresh water as well as lots plenty of calcium and protein rich food to try and make up for him not getting to eat his whole exoskeleton. If there is any left be sure to add that too. I wish you luck and be sure to update us on how it goes. I am fairly new to this myself so listen to the experts as well.

Re: Naked Crab!

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:06 pm

by curlysister

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Aquarium tank sand and some sort of reptile mulch type stuff mixed together
Curly - Crabs need to be able to make tunnels and caves, which they can not do with what you have. Most of us use a mix of 5 parts play sand and one part Eco Earth (coco fiber). It should be 6 inches, or three times as deep as your largest crab, whichever is deeper. And it should be moistened with dechlorinated fresh or salt water to be sand castle consistency.

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?
Temp yes. Its normally about 75 and i keep them by a window. I mist them with a sprayer like 3 times a day until the top layer of sand is quite moist when I work but more if I'm home.
Curly - It is vital to know humidity. Crabs have modified gills and need humidity over 75% to breathe.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
50w basking light that I just got last week.
Curly - Heat lamps tend to decrease humidity. Many of us use an UTH (under tank heater) which is always mounted on the back or sides of a tank for crabs.

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)?
I have pet store salt and fresh water that i change every few days both "bowels" have sponges
Curly - Water can be tap water, but needs to be treated with a dechlorinator such as Prime. Crabs need marine salt such as Instant Ocean. Many of the mixes sold at pet stores are not appropriate for crabs, even tho they are marketed for them. Check out the 'water' care sheet for more info.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
They have been getting a variety of stuff from broccoli and sliced up fruits a mineral block pellets shaved coconut and either peanut butter or tuna changed either daily or every other day depending on what they get
Curly - Crabs need a varied diet which includes calcium and protein daily. Check out the 'food' care sheets for more info.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
My daughter just got them for her birthday like 3 weeks ago. They were a surprise for everyone.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Im pretty sure it molted. Theres a "skin" on one side of the tank that all of the crabs seem to be periodically eating?

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
An octagon tank. It's pretty big but not sure of the gallons. It has a plexiglass lid with lots of holes drilled in. (The cats broke the mesh lid when there were fish in the tank but the cats dont seem to care about the crabs)
Curly - If the lid is sealed it will hold in the humidity and heat better. They will get air exchange when you change food and water.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 crabs total. Two are large size by pet store standards and one small one

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
6 including the shell that has been abandoned
Curly - HCA Recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab. There are correct and incorrect types 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?
I haven't yet since I've just gotten them

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes. I ran it under hot tap water and softened it then squeezed it and put it in the dishes.
Curly - Sponges are not necessary and harbor bacteria. Pools should be deep enough that the crabs can fully submerge, but also have a way to climb out. Many of us use Rubbermaid type containers, with rocks or shells, or craft mesh for climbing out.

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.
One of my larger crabs I think molted this morning and seemed really active was running all over the place and was not being chased or bother by the other crabs periodically eating his molted skin and is refusing to take a new shell. I have many options for him and left in the one he abandoned. Hes been naked for about 12 or more hours and I'm worried about him drying out? Hes no longer active and is just sitting in the corner of the tank curled up. Hes still moving his antennae around and is alive but I didnt think they should be out of a shell this long? HELP!
Curly - A crab will leave it's shell when it is too weak to carry it. You have a number of things that need to be improved in your tank to give your crabs a chance at a good life. A naked crab will die. Crabs don't leave their shells to molt - with proper sub, they dig under and make a cave where they are safe from other crabs, and they stay there until all their exo is eaten. Your crab surface molted, which is also an emergency. The crab needs to get back in a shell ASAP. Put the crab into a small dish or cup, with a couple of mm of dechlor water, and the shell it was in as well as another one or two to choose from. Leave it in the dark for an hour or so. If it does not go in a shell by itself, you will need to gently try to manually re-shell it. If it is still alive, it will need to be isolated from the other crabs or they will kill and eat him.

Re: Naked Crab!

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2020 8:46 am

by AmberD

curlysister wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:06 pm
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Aquarium tank sand and some sort of reptile mulch type stuff mixed together
Curly - Crabs need to be able to make tunnels and caves, which they can not do with what you have. Most of us use a mix of 5 parts play sand and one part Eco Earth (coco fiber). It should be 6 inches, or three times as deep as your largest crab, whichever is deeper. And it should be moistened with dechlorinated fresh or salt water to be sand castle consistency.

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?
Temp yes. Its normally about 75 and i keep them by a window. I mist them with a sprayer like 3 times a day until the top layer of sand is quite moist when I work but more if I'm home.
Curly - It is vital to know humidity. Crabs have modified gills and need humidity over 75% to breathe.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
50w basking light that I just got last week.
Curly - Heat lamps tend to decrease humidity. Many of us use an UTH (under tank heater) which is always mounted on the back or sides of a tank for crabs.

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)?
I have pet store salt and fresh water that i change every few days both "bowels" have sponges
Curly - Water can be tap water, but needs to be treated with a dechlorinator such as Prime. Crabs need marine salt such as Instant Ocean. Many of the mixes sold at pet stores are not appropriate for crabs, even tho they are marketed for them. Check out the 'water' care sheet for more info.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
They have been getting a variety of stuff from broccoli and sliced up fruits a mineral block pellets shaved coconut and either peanut butter or tuna changed either daily or every other day depending on what they get
Curly - Crabs need a varied diet which includes calcium and protein daily. Check out the 'food' care sheets for more info.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
My daughter just got them for her birthday like 3 weeks ago. They were a surprise for everyone.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Im pretty sure it molted. Theres a "skin" on one side of the tank that all of the crabs seem to be periodically eating?

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
An octagon tank. It's pretty big but not sure of the gallons. It has a plexiglass lid with lots of holes drilled in. (The cats broke the mesh lid when there were fish in the tank but the cats dont seem to care about the crabs)
Curly - If the lid is sealed it will hold in the humidity and heat better. They will get air exchange when you change food and water.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 crabs total. Two are large size by pet store standards and one small one

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
6 including the shell that has been abandoned
Curly - HCA Recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab. There are correct and incorrect types 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?
I haven't yet since I've just gotten them

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes. I ran it under hot tap water and softened it then squeezed it and put it in the dishes.
Curly - Sponges are not necessary and harbor bacteria. Pools should be deep enough that the crabs can fully submerge, but also have a way to climb out. Many of us use Rubbermaid type containers, with rocks or shells, or craft mesh for climbing out.

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.
One of my larger crabs I think molted this morning and seemed really active was running all over the place and was not being chased or bother by the other crabs periodically eating his molted skin and is refusing to take a new shell. I have many options for him and left in the one he abandoned. Hes been naked for about 12 or more hours and I'm worried about him drying out? Hes no longer active and is just sitting in the corner of the tank curled up. Hes still moving his antennae around and is alive but I didnt think they should be out of a shell this long? HELP!
Curly - A crab will leave it's shell when it is too weak to carry it. You have a number of things that need to be improved in your tank to give your crabs a chance at a good life. A naked crab will die. Crabs don't leave their shells to molt - with proper sub, they dig under and make a cave where they are safe from other crabs, and they stay there until all their exo is eaten. Your crab surface molted, which is also an emergency. The crab needs to get back in a shell ASAP. Put the crab into a small dish or cup, with a couple of mm of dechlor water, and the shell it was in as well as another one or two to choose from. Leave it in the dark for an hour or so. If it does not go in a shell by itself, you will need to gently try to manually re-shell it. If it is still alive, it will need to be isolated from the other crabs or they will kill and eat him.

Thank you for all the advice! I did isolate the crab and kept him in the dark as you suggested and i ended up having to manually re-shell him... What do i look for or do now?

(I am running this morning to get more and better substrate for them as well as a humidity gage and I've removed the sponges. Im looking for a new place in my house for the tank so they aren't in the sunlight)

Re: Naked Crab!

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2020 9:59 am

by odelayheehoo

AmberD wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 17, 2020 8:46 am
Thank you for all the advice! I did isolate the crab and kept him in the dark as you suggested and i ended up having to manually re-shell him... What do i look for or do now?

(I am running this morning to get more and better substrate for them as well as a humidity gage and I've removed the sponges. Im looking for a new place in my house for the tank so they aren't in the sunlight)

Ensure you've isolated him well enough away from the other crabs, they should not be allowed to reach him while he's weak. I would recommend feeding him small amounts of healing foods, which include raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, organic peanut butter, molasses, even olive oil. I would offer at least one of these, along with some fresh and salt water on a q-tip so he can easily reach it.

I hope this helps!