bdunn13

I have a couple of Emeralds in my tank. I have been scared since I got them that there was not enough in the tank for them to eat(scavenge).

The past couple of days one of them has been hiding under a big shell I have in my tank. I saw him as recently as last night holding onto the side of the shell.

This morning, I saw him upside down by the shell. So, I was doing some reading a bit ago and thought he might not be dead. I am at work now, but when I get home to fish the thing out of my tank, how can I tell if its just a shell? Seems like a stupid question I know. Will I see meat and eyes or what?

Slug

The molt won't be as dense or filled out as the actual crab. Basically meat and the insides, don't want to see that. The molt is just of the outer portions so the insides should be bare, while the outside looks like a crab.

Redtail_Shark14

when a crab molts you see the sheded skin the crab will look fine and a bit bigger. the molted part is just a skin sort of thing it should be empty. hope i helped

Martinismommy

It sounds like he is looking for a bigger shell to move into......Do you have empty shells in the tank? They grow and need more room....I recently had this happen with my crabs....Some of them switched shells and it is weird to see the different feet coming out of the shell lol

bdunn13

This is an emerald crab, they make their own shells right?

Slug

Yes. Only hermits move houses.

Oil_Fan

Ya...emeralds just make their own shells. Though they do hide for a few days after molting.

Emerald crabs are actually quite hardy. It takes quite a lot to kill one of those guys.

bdunn13

I took a water sample to the LFS and they tested it for me. I don't have all of the numbers, but they said everything is fine.

and BTW - he was not molting I took a knife, cut him and half and it was awfully meaty.

The only thing I can think of is the tank might have gotten a little too warm.

Oil_Fan

Sorry to hear that.

The moment you take a shell out, you'd realize that it's only a molt if that's what it was. It real obvious.

So then the next question is what was it that killed him. They are sensitive to copper...have you used any meds in your main tank?

Slug

Ah thats to bad.

Yeah the molt is really light and flexable you'll know it when you have it.

bdunn13

No meds, no copper. I would have to guess lack of food or temp.

I have a 2nd emerald crab thats doing fine. He DID molt as I can see his shell and I saw him hiding near it. At least he is doing good.

I am going to wait a little longer before I get any more crabs but I can say so far, they are my favorite. They are so cool looking.