Blister on abdomen

[juniebjones]

Hello,

I am really new to all of this. I've only had hermit crabs for about a month now, but I have done a lot of research as I want to give them the best care possible. They seem to have everything they need in their tank, but they all came from different pet stores. One already died yesterday sort of out of the blue...he was in a painted shell (at the time I bought him, I wasn't aware how dangerous this was) and the same day new shells arrived, he was already gone. Since my new shells came, my other medium hermit crab has been switching. When he switched I couldn't help but notice a terrible looking blister on one side. I have read about blisters on the gills from not using dechlorinated water. I've only had him about two weeks and this is the first time he switched shells so I am not sure if he has had it since the pet store or more recently. I have been using bottled water to make both the fresh water and the sea salt water dishes. I also mist the tank throughout the day when needed using a clean spray bottle and bottled water. Am I doing something wrong? The temperature is usually around 80 degrees F, and the humidity is always between 70-80%. To heat the tank I use a 60 watt bulb on one side in a lamp, and that works well. I have a screen lid but it is wrapped in plastic wrap to keep humidity in and that seems to work. The substrate is natural play sand, sand castle consistency. He seems to move around fine, but he seems more pale than usual and I'm worried he's sick. I don't want to lose another crab. I don't know what I can do about the blister, but it is pretty large for such a little guy. I just want him to be healthy. Any help on this matter would be appreciated.

[rml6f4]

Did it look like this?



If so it's just a molt sac! Crabs store water and food in those for when they're about to molt.

[juniebjones]

Actually yes it does look similar to that! Whew, I feel so much better. That could also explain his change in color. He's been in the water dish and food dish a lot since yesterday, so maybe that's what is about to happen. I haven't seen a molt happen yet, but hopefully that's what it is! Thanks

[rml6f4]

Actually yes it does look similar to that! Whew, I feel so much better. That could also explain his change in color. He's been in the water dish and food dish a lot since yesterday, so maybe that's what is about to happen. I haven't seen a molt happen yet, but hopefully that's what it is! Thanks

Yay! Glad it's just normal crab anatomy. I've had my own scares from it before.

That all sounds like molt behavior. My crabs get ashy looking the closer they get to a molt and then turn into little gluttons. I hope everything goes well!