New Adoption! And worried crab momma

[Fledgling]

I picked up a new rescue for free from a pet store recently and added him to the main tank after giving him a dip in the freshwater pool. I have 3 other PPs in the tank, all bigger than the new guy.

As I was watching the new crab's first encounter with his new tank mates, I realized that I had forgotten to rearrange the tank decor before adding him. I haven't switched up the tank in quite a while, so I'm a little worried about territorial displays and disputes...

The new guy showed what I perceive to be defensive behaviors when meeting my other crabs, spreading his legs as far as possible and not letting the other crabs get too close. The other crabs kept trying to climb over him (show of dominance?), but didn't move their pinchers in an aggressive way. The new guy ended up cornered between 2 crabs, so i eventually picked him up and moved him to the moss pit, where he immediately hid. The last time I looked, it appeared that he dug down in the sub (hopefully to destress).

My tank is located at my college apartment, which I visit once a week for tank maintenance. I'm a little worried about how the crabs will all react once the noob comes back up...is there anything I can do to make sure everyone is safe when I'm not there to watch them?

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[piratetoothgir]

Congratulations!
I personally think it’ll be fine, they will establish a pecking order. But, did you dip the new crab into the freshwater of the crabitat?


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[Fledgling]

Congratulations!
I personally think it’ll be fine, they will establish a pecking order. But, did you dip the new crab into the freshwater of the crabitat?


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Yes, most definitely

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[Rawrgeous]

I agree with the above, they should be just fine. A bit of shoving and such is normal.