New crab-missing big claw

[NikkiS]

Hi everyone! I just adopted two crabs this past weekend. They came in a 10 gallon tank, very basic setup. The only crab that we have seen (until tonight) is the size of a ping pong. We were under the impression that the second crab was as well. I set up our 65 gallon tank and moved the big guy into and then gently started searching for the missing crab, just in case he was in the process of a molt. I really wanted to make sure he was alive and well since I found a few little "pieces" and they are in such tight quarters. I found the second crab, alive and not molting, but is half the size of the first crab! I put separate food and water dishes in the 10gal with the small guy because I have never had such a large difference in crabs before.

This is where I noticed the the little guy is slightly clumsy and moves slower than normal. I was watching him walk around and he is missing what I believe to be his Big Claw (left side of his body) and there is a gel limb. What do I do now? Should I keep them separate forever? Or until after the little guy recovers? Do you think he is missing his claw because they were in such a small space for the two of them?

Either way, I am glad we have them now. That poor little crab was so hungry!

[MamaKelly]

These are my two crabs and they do great together. I only separated them when the larger one surface molted. When I put them back together the little one shadowed him and sat on him a lot the first few days! My big one was missing a leg when I got him and it grew back with his first molt with me. A gel limb is a good sign! Focus on offering lots of highly nutritional foods so your little one can tank up to molt.

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[NikkiS]

Thank you, that is about the size difference these two are. Wonderful news about the leg growing back! It would be great to be able to move the little one into the new tank since it is so much nicer. I have been feeding them food from Hermit Crab Patch. My last crabbies LOVED their food and these guys both went for it right away. I also have the calcium powder from HCP. Hopefully the little one will be ok.

[MamaKelly]

It certainly makes them easy to tell apart! Except for yesterday when the little guy decided to try on a shell that matched the big guy's. I have no idea how he managed to lug the thing around!

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[NikkiS]

That must have been quite a sight! I have plenty of shells for the little guy but none for the big guy. Guess I'll be shopping! I have them both in the big tank now just watching how they interact with each and see if there is any hostility.

[MamaKelly]

Since they're different sizes you shouldn't have to worry about shell fights. I found a nice bag of shells at Jo-Ann Fabrics that had a lot of green turbos in it. My big guy needs shells with an opening over 1 1/8", so only one even close for him but I had lots of options for the little guy up to about 3/4" opening, I think.

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[NikkiS]

That is so true! I will be sure to check out JoAnn's next time I'm there. Michael's didn't have anything unfortunately. I found a few good options on Etsy but I am terrible with measurements (which is why I have so many shells now!). I am also waiting on HCP to have their shells July 4th. I put a wall up in their tank last night so they each have their own space. They both enjoyed the large salt water dish together & then once the wall was up the little guy checked things out & then went to his hut & buried himself. So I think I will keep it that way & see if the little one wants to molt.

[MamaKelly]

I'm waiting for hcp, too, since my big guy is right at the size where it's going to get tough find bigger shells for him

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