Crab Has Moulted

[Mola Mola]

Hi,
I have a Thai Red Crab, which I was planning to take back to shop. When I just had a look in the tank, it was flat on its back, not moving, and I thought that it had died.

I got a little more confused when I noticed another crab in the tank, but then realised that it had moulted.

I'm still planning to take it back to the shop, but will not be able to do so for a few days.

Can anybody please advise what I should do in the meantime?

I know that this is a fish forum, but I'd like to do the best I can for the crab while I have it, so any advice would be appreciated.

 

[fluttermoth]

I don't think there's anything much you can do; just make sure the fish don't peck at it while it's still soft (the new shell takes a few hours to harden up).

 

[Mola Mola]

I don't think there's anything much you can do; just make sure the fish don't peck at it while it's still soft (the new shell takes a few hours to harden up).

Thanks. If it only takes a few hours to harden, should I perhaps take it out of the tank and put it in a bucket? I thought I heard that the shell won't harden in the water, not sure if that is true though.

 

[fluttermoth]

Yeah, in a bucket with something so it can climb out if it wants to sounds good.

 

[Mola Mola]

Yeah, in a bucket with something so it can climb out if it wants to sounds good.

Thanks. Having thought about it, I am a bit concerned about trying to get it out, when it's shell is so soft. I haven't bought a net yet, and can't really pick it up by the shell.

For the time being I have turned the tank light and room light off and closed the door, so the tank is in complete darkness. I thought that might get the fish to calm down, and so lower the risk of pecking at the crab, and also reduce the stress on the crab a bit.

Do you know if it is true that it's shell won't harden in the water?

 

[Mola Mola]

Unfortunately the crab died in the night.

 

[fluttermoth]