Emerald Molt

[saltyj]

Is there a way to tell if my emerald crab has molted or is it a dead crab. I have had molts before, but this is the first time this big guy had molted and I have had him for about 8mo. I took it out of the tank and had to pry the shell open, but I did not see any vital organs inside, but I cannot find him in the tank. I have never had to pry open the shell so I am asuming that he is a gonner. Let me know and I will keep you updated if I find him.

 

[wablondie98664]

heres a link to a thread with pictures of emerald moltings https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/f/

 

[saltyj]

thanks blondie
that is what it looked like inside so I will keep my hopes alive.

 

[nm reef]

Sounds like a molt ... after mine molt they often remain hidden for several days. The new shell is rather soft and they can become a meal if they ain't careful. Normally I'll be able to locate them within a week or so....hopefully yours is just layin' low for a few days.

 

[saltyj]

Thanks NM,
I am still keeping hope alive that he is hiding. It would be cool if he is, because he was always missing a claw so maybe it will grow back now.

 

[jlm]

That's how I felt last week. I was so upset. We had just gotten him in from this site and I found the molting and thought he was dead. It's hard to tell with there moltings. Anyway he came walking around the rock this weekend. I was so happy.