Emerald Crab Glued Claws Shut

[malx]

So I was mounting some corals today and my Emerald crab, in his infinite wisdom, decided to try to eat the glue from the base of the coral which resulted in both of his claws being glued shut.

He's not happy.

Anyone experience this? I am considering catching him and splitting the glue open with a razor blade so he can at least open and close them for food.


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[Sk8r]

He may molt, in which case (if he lives long enough) he will have new claws. If they are sealed by a single thread, you might get it. If completely sealed, not so much luck. There is another possibility---depending on whether crab carapace like our skin produces a protective coating, in which case it will come off in a few days.

 

[malx]

He may molt, in which case (if he lives long enough) he will have new claws. If they are sealed by a single thread, you might get it. If completely sealed, not so much luck. There is another possibility---depending on whether crab carapace like our skin produces a protective coating, in which case it will come off in a few days.

Thanks I'll give him a day or two.


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[Rilelen]

I'm sorry - this is both sad and hilarious. Poor crab! I agree, watch him for a day or two and see if he molts or if it comes off on its own. He should be okay for a couple days.

If not - catching him and seeing if you can try to remove it seems more humane than letting him slowly starve to death.

 

[malx]

Well, looks like he got the glue off.


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[Rilelen]

Thanks for the update - so glad to hear he's okay!

 

[Pond Boy]

Glad he got free but...I have one that's getting aggressive. He plant's himself on the top of the LR with claws wide open waiting for the opportunity to grab a fish swimming by. I fear it may have out grown my 12g...

How are people caching them\ do I have to trap him?

 

[malx]

Glad he got free but...I have one that's getting aggressive. He plant's himself on the top of the LR with claws wide open waiting for the opportunity to grab a fish swimming by. I fear it may have out grown my 12g...

How are people caching them\ do I have to trap him?

I chase them into a corner with something long like a chopstick and pick him up.


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[Pond Boy]

I chase them into a corner with something long like a chopstick and pick him up.


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Thanks! I'll try that.

 

[Sk8r]

some crabs (scarlets) do that claws wide dance when about to release fry.

 

[Nanook]

some crabs (scarlets) do that claws wide dance when about to release fry.

Yes