electric blue legged hermit crab

[maryanno]

We bought an electric blue legged hermit crab back in late December or early January. Since then, it has died four times. We literally took the crab out of the tank and threw it away. After a few days we see another crab (same size) in the same shell. What is going on? After we found the first one dead and another one alive, we put more empty shells in the tank and no one takes them over.
This is not a joke! Can someone explain this to me? Thanks in advance.

 

[LeslieH]

The crab is molting. Crustaceans have tough exoskeletons. In order to grow larger first the exoskeleton is partially re-absorbed by the body, then shed. A new exoskeleton is produced under the old one. When the new one is exposed to seawater it absorbs water & increases in size thus allowing the animal inside to grow as well. What youÃ"šÃ‚´re throwing away is the old exoskeleton.

Obviously your crab is doing very well in your tank!

 

[White Tiger]

I aggree!

 

[White Tiger]

I meant to type "I agree." (only one "g" in agree)

 

[kingtoad]

The crab loves your aquarium!