Emerald crab dead, worms?

[Tfrawley]

Found an emerald crab dead with a few holes in its arms, with a little pink worm looking thing poking out, as soon as I touched it though it feel apart. One of my other crabs has a hole in its arm too and isn't looking too well. Anybody know what this is and how to treat it?

 

[cloak]

Those little pink worms you were seeing were probably bristle worms. The fact that they're inside the crab just means that they are doing what there supposed to. They've got to get to meat of the crab somehow.

 

[Tfrawley]

Those little pink worms you were seeing were probably bristle worms. The fact that they're inside the crab just means that they are doing what there supposed to. They've got to get to meat of the crab somehow.

I read up on them a bit and it said they're scavengers, but one of my live crabs has holes in his arms too. Will they kill off the rest of them?

 

[cloak]

I don't think so, but stranger things have happened.

What did you mean in your first post that your other crab with the holes in it's claws is not looking to well either? Can you explain what it is your seeing? Also, what are your parameters? What else do you have in the tank? How long has it been set up?

 

[Tfrawley]

I don't think so, but stranger things have happened.



What did you mean in your first post that your other crab with the holes in it's claws is not looking to well either? Can you explain what it is your seeing? Also, what are your parameters? What else do you have in the tank? How long has it been set up?

The dead crab had two circular holes in its claw arm with a pink worm looking thing sticking out, and the live one had a hole that looks the same on one of his. All of the emeralds I have usually rush out to eat any food the fish drop but when I fed them today he was just kind of sitting there and hasn't moved much all day, even when food came near him. Got the water tested the other day, don't remember the exact numbers but everything was in healthy levels. The only other thing I have in that tank is a few damsels.

 

[cloak]

It might be getting ready to molt. Sometimes they can get a little lethargic before this happens. Definitely keep your eye on it though.
Maybe somebody else with more experience with these crabs will chime in here soon. GL.

 

[slcgrad2k]

Crabs and snails need calcium. Maybe not enough and their she'll got soft enough for the bristle worms to get in??? I dunno. I'm a newb at this, but just a thought.

 

[peasofme]

maybe it's some parasite

 

[Tfrawley]

Thanks for all the tips guys, I'll try adding a bit more calcium and keep an eye on them

 

[peasofme]

there are parasites that eat shrimp, some that eat snails, some that eat clams, not sure about crabs though.

 

[cloak]

Is your other crab moving around today or is it still in the same spot? Is it showing any interest in the food?

 

[Tfrawley]

Is your other crab moving around today or is it still in the same spot? Is it showing any interest in the food?

The little guys doing fine now, guess the extra calcium helped put, thanks again for the tips everyone!