It is often very hard to tell if a hermit crab is really molting or has already crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. This is due to how similar in appearance the two can be.
In the beginning of the molt, the large cheliped (pincer) muscle stiffens up as it gets ready to pull off the old exoskeleton. The large shape of the claw must be pulled backwards through the smaller exoskeleton. To get through the smaller parts of the exoskeleton, the soft tissue below must be pulled together.
The hermit crabs’ equilibrium gland is located in the base of the antenna. This gland, like the inner ear in humans, helps the hermit crab stay balanced and figure out how to stand, walk, and find its way around. The hermit crab may lose the ability to balance or stand up straight when it sheds its exoskeleton, especially its antennae.
Now we can see how molting could be mistaken for death if the hermit crab looks dead and stiff. Many molting hermit crabs have been tossed in the trash because their owner believed them to be dead.
How a hermit crab owner handles its molting can make the difference between life and death for the animal. I have witnessed numerous land hermit crabs during the molting process and identified four main molting positions.
The hermit crab usually starts in this position by lying on its side while shedding its old shell. Their eyestalks are flat on the ground, and their antennae look like they’re tucked under them between their large cheliped and feeding claw, which is also flat on the ground. The legs appear to be lifeless and very limp with a slight curl. They come out of their shells almost all the way when they’re ready to shed their exoskeleton. Only the very tip of their tail stays inside the shell. At this time, the hermit crab appears to be lifeless. People who watch the hermit crab closely and for a long time will see it move and jerk a body part every once in a while as it starts to separate its old exo from its new exo. In between these small jerks and wiggles, the hermit crab lies very still and looks like it’s dead. Every once in a while, they move their gills slightly as they take a breath to continue the task they need to do. The little jerks and wiggles they do become a little more noticeable once the old exo is taken off of the new one. As the old exo splits, a brownish to orangey fluid comes out, and the hermit crab starts to take it off. If the hermit crab’s old exo is darker, it looks like a bubble is going through it as he takes off each part of his new body.
Another popular molting position I have observed is that of the hunched hermit crab. Instead of lying down, they are upright in their shell. All of the above observations apply, only the position is different. The molter comes out of their shell to where their first sets of little legs are. As they begin their molting process, they are in the hunched back position. Again, they are very still and appear dead during the molting process while in this position.
On a few occasions, I have witnessed hermit crabs molting while in a sitting up position. By this, I mean the opening of the shell is facing straight in an outward position. The hermit crabs legs, pincers, and head appear to dangle out of the shell. The eyestalks, antennas, and limp legs, etc. all seen in the same way as in the first paragraph, and the hermit crab molts while it’s in this position too.
On one occasion, I had the pleasure of witnessing a hermit crab molting upside down. The only things I could see were her weak legs sticking out of the shell a little as she molted and the bubble-like shape she took on as she took off her old shell from her legs and pincers.
It is possible for a hermit crab that is molting to look like one that has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. No one can do much for the crabber if the hermit crab has already died other than bury him. You should not bother the hermit crab while it is molting because it is in a very fragile and important stage of its life.
If you see a hermit crab in any of the positions I listed above, or in any other position, and you want to know if it has died or is molting, it is safer to assume that it is molting. If he is in isolation, do not disturb him in any way. If he is found in the main crabitat with other crabs, he needs to be kept away from them safely. If your crabitat is big enough to allow for in tank isolation this is the best scenario.
Be sure to wash your hands and anything coming in contact with the molter before transferring.
Very small kritter keepers work great for this because they have lids that close securely but have holes in them so air can flow. A disposable resealable bowl will work as an in tank isolation, poke holes in the lid. As gently as possible move the molter AND the shed exoskeleton to the isolation container. A big plastic serving spoon works well and lets you dig just a little under the molting crab so that its body stays on some substrate. Gently scoop the substrate, hermit crab and exoskeleton and transfer to the isolation unit. Additional substrate, food, water is not needed at this stage. Close the lid and place the isolation unit back in the crabitat. Do not poke, prod or otherwise futz with the molter. This will keep tank mates from cannibalizing the molter while it is soft and defenseless.
Leave him be. One must have patience when this questionable situation arises. Right now is such an important time in your hermit crab’s life that what you do when you first see them could mean the difference between life and death.
You shouldn’t add anything until the shed is finished and the hermit crab has started to eat the shell. Some fresh water should be all that is needed. It’s important to remember that hermit crabs usually eat and drink a lot before they go underground to stay healthy. You can add a bit of damp sphagnum moss to one corner.
Once upon a time, it was suggested that you bathe your hermit crab before putting it back in its habitat. I now think that this was based on a wrong understanding of how the animal normally acts. Hermit crab females can have babies after they molt, which is why their male tankmates are so interested in a newly molted crab and not the “molting scent.”
Hermit crabs make lively interactive pets. Their small size and low maintenance needs make them popular for children and first-time pet owners. But sadly, hermit crabs don’t live forever. So at some point every crab owner will face their pet’s passing.
Identifying a deceased crab is crucial Removing dead crabs quickly prevents health risks for other tank inhabitants. But discerning dead crabs from live molting crabs takes some investigators skills.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spotting a dead hermit crab. You’ll learn the physical signs, sniff test clues, and differences from molting crabs. Let’s get started!
Overview: How to Tell if Your Hermit Crab is Dead
Hermit crabs tucked away in shells can be tricky to diagnose. But with a bit of patience and careful observation, you can determine if your crab has passed away. Here are the steps:
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Check for signs of life like movement and response to stimuli over a few days. Do not immediately discard seemingly lifeless crabs.
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Monitor for a foul, rotten stench from within the shell, a tell-tale sign of decay.
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Look for physical signs like limp, shriveled limbs and milky, sunken eyes if the crab is partly emerged.
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Consider time factors like recent molting, duration of motionless state, last time active, etc.
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Remove any deceased crabs promptly but avoid discarding potentially molting crabs too early.
With vigilance and composure, crab keepers can avoid prematurely trashing molting pets. Next, let’s look at the step-by-step process for identifying deceased crabs.
Determining if Your Hermit Crab is Dead: Step-By-Step
Follow these steps to determine if your hermit crab has passed away or remains alive:
1. Check for signs of life
Inspect crabs that seem lifeless for any subtle signs of life. Gently shake the shell and watch for movement or retreating deeper inside. Try offering food or misting with water and look for a response. Repeat this over several days before making any conclusions. Even living crabs can appear dead during molting.
2. Monitor odor
Check for any unpleasant stenches emanating from the crab’s shell. A putrid, fishy smell indicates decaying tissue and confirms your crab’s passing. Be aware that dead and molting crabs can temporarily smell bad, so consider other signs too before removal.
3. Inspect physical condition
If you can see any part of the motionless crab, look for deteriorating physical state. Shriveled, dried out limbs and milky, sunken eyes signal death. Molting crabs will look limp but not emaciated.
4. Note the duration
Account for how long the crab has been inactive. Molting may last 2-3 weeks, so be patient. But if lifelessness exceeds a month with no improvement, death is likely.
5. Review recent history
Reflect on context clues from your crab’s recent activities. Were there any signs of imminent molting? How long since it last ate, moved, or changed shells? Compare against typical molting timespans.
6. Remove deceased crabs ASAP
If you confirm death, isolate and remove the crab immediately. Use gloves when handling decaying bodies. This prevents health hazards for other crabs and contamination of the habitat.
With calm attentiveness and deductive observation, you can distinguish deceased crabs from molting ones. Now let’s compare physical differences between dead and molting crabs.
Comparing the Appearance: Dead vs Molting Hermit Crabs
Molting crabs can closely resemble dead crabs in behavior and initial appearance. But some subtle visual cues can help differentiate between the two.
Dead Hermit Crabs:
- Foul odor from within the shell
- Limp, shriveled limbs if visible
- Discolored patches on limbs
- Milky, sunken eyes
- No reaction to stimuli
Molting Hermit Crabs:
- Limp, lifeless appearance
- Limbs may be softened, not shriveled
- Eyes remain clear and normal
- May react slowly to stimuli
- Recent unusual behavior
While a foul smell is definitive, molting crabs also give off temporary odors. So combine smell with visual signs for an accurate conclusion.
Common Questions about Identifying Dead Hermit Crabs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about determining if a hermit crab is dead:
How can you tell if a hermit crab is dead without removing it from the shell?
Check for a rotten smell from the shell, listen for lack of movement when shaken, and take note if the lifeless state exceeds 1-2 months. Prying crabs from shells stresses them, so avoid this if uncertain.
Do hermit crab shells smell if they die?
Yes, decaying crab bodies give off a very strong, unpleasant odor. The stench is akin to rotten fish and usually Noticeable from several inches away.
Can hermit crabs die in their shells?
Yes, hermit crabs often die while sealed inside their shell. Their legs and claws will eventually cease movement and go limp. Without intervention, the lifeless crab will decay inside the shell.
Do hermit crab shells decompose?
Since shells are made of calcium carbonate, they don’t decompose as quickly as crab bodies. But bacteria will eventually erode and break down shells over many years when buried.
The Takeaway: Use Great Care Identifying Dead Crabs
Finding a deceased beloved pet is always hard. With crabs, extra care is needed to avoid prematurely discarding molting crabs. Panicking won’t provide answers, so stay calm and use deductive reasoning.
Monitor for lack of movement, foul odors, physical deterioration, and duration of lifelessness. Don’t forget to account for recent behaviors as well. With cautious attention, you can accurately determine if a hermit crab has passed away or remains in good health.
Rest assured, every crab owner inevitably faces this situation. Don’t feel discouraged if you must say goodbye to a pet. Celebrate the joys they brought during their lifetime, and consider opening your heart and home to adopt a new crab in their honor.
