Do arrow crabs molt?

[mjdlonghorn]

I know this isnt the invert forum, but this board has the most traffic. I woke up today and found that my large arrow crab was a gnarled mess. I thought my maroon clown had gone on one of his murderous streaks again. (he killed a purple lobster before) I was going to net the crab out of the tank when I noticed he was still alive. Can I expect him to live through this?

 

[Sk8r]

All crabs molt: their skeleton is on the outside, and they have to shed it to grow. Don't bother him while his 'bones' are soft.

 

[stykthyn]

did you see a molt anywhere in your tank? if not he hasnt molted and something is abusing him. I woud keep an eye out if you want to keep the crab.

 

[SDguy]

I've seen completely legless/clawless crabs actually survive. Just put him in a quite area of sump/fuge, and feed a lot...everything will grow back the next molt.

 

[Amphiprion]

Yep, all crabs are part of a larger group known as the Ecdysozoans--animals which shed their external "skeleton" or covering.