Hermit crab molting Q

[slam308]

Once you find the discarded exoskeleton of the hermit crab, how long should it take until the molt is over and you see the crab out and about again?

I'm hoping he's just going through a molt and isn't dead. The "shed" was in pieces, a couple claws and bits of stuff.

 

[StephM33]

Admittedly I'm new to hermit crabs. We've had a red-legged hermit in our tank for a few weeks and it molted about 5 days ago. He molted almost facing the glass and stayed exactly where he molted for about a day and a half. It looked to us as though he had to wait for his fresh layer of exoskeleton to harden before he could begin to move (which is why we guessed he positioned the open side of his shell toward the glass so he had some protection.

The molted exoskeleton may have been partially eaten by fish already which is why it isn't in one piece.

That's all I can offer. Hope it helps.
Steph

 

[StephM33]

Sorry...to clarify, what I meant is there is a good chance your crab has taken a place of shelter, and is waiting for his exoskeleton to harden but in the meantime fish have found the shell and started to eat it and move it around the tank.

Give it a couple of days and hopefully you'll see him moving about again!

Steph

 

[slam308]

Thanks Steph,
He's back already.
I took the exoskeleten out before I realized other tank mates would eat it and it's good for them. Next time I know better.
Thanks for the reply.