crab question

[debbie]

I have two blue leg hermit crabs. One is quite a bit larger than the other. I have noticed that quite often they seem to be attacking each other. Are they try to kill one another or is this a mating thing??

 

[nycbob]

probably attacking each other.

 

[spiderwoman]

I'll second attacking. Do you have empty large shells in the tank for them use?

 

[urbanhellfire]

I just added a few new blues to my tank and the first thing one of the hermits that was already in the tank did was attack one of the new guys.
I gave them a blast with a turkey baster, i had to do this a few times to keep them apart.
The next morning the hermit i just added had the shell from the old guy in the tank. They both seemed ok.I think he just liked his shell. You should add a few extra shells into your tank to keep the UFC fights down

 

[debbie]

Well the little guy won the fight. Dam I just don't understand why in the blazes they have to fight for each others shells when there is lots of other shells in the tank for them to take.
Oh well that is why I don't usually have crabs in my tank or I usually only have one. Now that little beast can have this shell.
Thanks for the replies, i have neve had two blue legs before only one.

 

[debbie]

Well it seems the battle is on. The big one was in a molt and I seen him inside his shell last night but the two of them are in a dead shell lock and bound and determined to get each other. Crazy crabs anyways I guess other shells are not good enough.

 

[nuro]

i dont know why they do this but IME so far they will no matter what you do. Ive got about empty shells of various sizes around the tank and inevitably one fo the hermits will go after the other.. it may be a territorial thing i dunno.