Crab molting

[ccny]

I put a red reef hermit crab in my 12 gal nano last week and it seemed to be doing pretty well. Today, I saw what looked like a section of three legs of the crab on the sand by itself. The crab is still moving so I just want to make sure--is this molting? or was there an odd amputation? Do I have to remove the molted skeleton? It's actually kinda creepy...

 

[taikonaut]

It is quite common for crab and shrimp to molt (hermit crab is closer to a shrimp than a crab, BTW). I leave it alone, but if it bothers you enough, get it out.

 

[Anonymous]

yeah, when my shrimp molt, i always pull out their empty skeletons and trash them. otherwise they just float around the tank until they get caught up in the powerheads. when my hermit molts, i just leave it alone. too nasty for me. :lol:

 

[ccny]

thanks guys. actually, its weird cause the shrimp just molted too. i didn't need to add extra iodine or anything. i guess there's enough in the salt mix. i'm just hoping the molts aren't hiding in the caves and crevices or else i can't get to it.

 

[taikonaut]

It is well know that iodine is needed for the molting mechanism, but only in very rare case that once has to add iodine for this purpose alone. Regular water change and feeding should be enough for all the iodine needs.

 

[DaGoldenChild]

I leave it alone, but if it bothers you enough, get it out.

i agree

 

[Anonymous]

I do not take the molts of either my shrimp or hermits out. At some point in time something will eat it. It will not hurt anything, but if it bithers you pull it.