Dead hermits or molts?

kreblak

kreblak

FDA approval pending
Mar 13, 2003
782
0
0
Allright, I know this question has been covered on shrimp, but how can I tell if the carcass I'm staring at in my tank is a dead hermit crab or if one molted?

I have six red legged hermits, and only four are walking around visibly in the tank, churning up substrate, and playing king of the hill on my LR. Over in the corner of the tank, there is a carcass. There is also one up in the top of my coral, about 8 inches above the substrate. They have all the legs, and it looks like everything's attached, and they are colored brightly red and everything!

Now, if they molted, then the two hermits are off waiting for their new carapace to harden, at which time they'll emerge and find new shell homes. I will be happy if this happens. However, right now it looks like two dead hermits!!!

What do I look for on the bodies I can see to determine if it's a dead hermit or simply a molt?
 
When hermits shed, their new layer is very soft and vulnerable. They tuck back into their shells and let their new skin harden before re-emerging.

I suggest waiting 24 hours for him to re-emerge. If no sign, post again and let us know.
 
Molted hermits won't abandon their shell, IME. The molts are hollow, so the best way to check is to see if the shell has stuff inside.
 
But does the molted shell still have all the color and everything? That is what's really freaking me out. Oh, and do I leave the shells in the tank, or should I remove them?

BTW, is this a good thing that I am getting molts (if that is what they turn out to be?)
 
Yep, molts look identical to the critter. First time I saw a molt, I couldn't tell the difference until I picked it up (when it fell to pieces and scared me!) We leave all the molts in there, as they will break down, and release many of the trace elements back into the system. It's not a big deal to remove them, either--personal choice. We don't mind seeing little bits of crab/shrimp shell in the sand. YMMV.

Molts are a good thing--they mean the crabs are growing and healthy, and that you're providing them with a suitable environment. Molting provides crustaceans the chance to regrow any missing legs, improving their long term health. (and boosting their self image, I am sure! :D )
 
Well, I'm happy to report that there are now five hermits visible in the tank, meaning that at least one of the carcasses was a molt. I understand now why people freak out when there is a molt, those discarded shells look eerily like the real thing!
 
:D

My first molter was a sally light foot crab. We didn't know she'd molted until we were moving the occupants to a new tank. I went to scoop her into a bowl for transport, and she fell to pieces in my hands. I almost cried! Then I saw the wily bugger scampering behind a rock. It can certainly give you a shock, that first time.
 
Originally posted by OrionGirl
:D

My first molter was a sally light foot crab. We didn't know she'd molted until we were moving the occupants to a new tank. I went to scoop her into a bowl for transport, and she fell to pieces in my hands. I almost cried! Then I saw the wily bugger scampering behind a rock. It can certainly give you a shock, that first time.
Click to expand...

That just about sums up the same reaction I had when my CB-Shrimp molted. I thought he was a goner.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom