Emerald Crab Fight to death?

[Lerxt64]

Not sure what happened, I had introduced a second emerald to tank a month ago, it was bigger than the existing one. yesterday I found 2 carcasses. They had got into a couple of scraps early on, but seemed to be coexisting ok. They were active up until this. I'd like to think they molted, but it would be unliked they did at the same time. the shells did appear hollow, though. Tank conditions are ok, nitrates a little elevated. Any guesses?

 

[Guygettnby]

it is very likelly they just molted then. i have never had my emerald crabs kill each other off. normally they will just loose a claw when they would fight. just give it some time and see if they pop back up in your tank. shouldnt take more then a few days.

 

[Elysia]

Have you recently done a water change? Like the day before you found the crabs? Many times a water change can bring about molting. And I have read that molts are left out "in view" in order to give the animal a bit more security while its exoskelton hardens -- sort of like when the state police sit empty cop cars out on the highway.

 

[Lerxt64]

two weeks since last water change. I hope they molted we'll wait & see.

Thanks!

 

[hebygb]

My wager is that they molted... The molts look surprisingly like a complete crab... My guess in a week or two you will se them again.

 

[kingfisher62]

Well, it has been a few days!
Have they showed up yet?

 

[sanchoy]

hmmm.. pieces lying around.

more like molts.

 

[Lerxt64]

Nothing yet.