Advice wanted - ageing rainbow crab?

I have kept a rainbow crab for around 5 years now, but have become concerned recently that he is getting more and more lethargic and has practically stopped eating.

I think that he was around 2 when I got him and realise that he may simply be approaching the end of his natural life, but wanted to check that there wasn't anything else potentially amiss.

He is a large male crab (one enlarged claw) with a carapace of around 10 cm in width at the widest point. He is in an approx 100 litre tank, which has a shingle beach in one half and a circulated/filtered pool (~10 cm depth) in the other half which is fresh water with a moderate amount of aquarium salt. It has a timed light (twice daily) and is generally between 22-24 degC.

When he was younger he was very active and aggressive and has moulted a number of times. Although he has become a little more relaxed over time, I have noticed the major change in the last couple of months that he has taken to just sitting in the corner of the tank, barely bothering to investigate food or other things around him. He does not appear to have any injuries, infections or anything visually wrong. He does move around slowly if disturbed, but invariably goes back to sitting collapsed in one place for long periods of time with hardly the strength to hold up his claws.

He has been fed on frozen cockles/mussels, cucumber and other veg pieces with occaisional cuttlefish (ie, after shedding). Lately the only thing which interests him in the slightest is bacon, although even when offered this he does not actually eat much.

If anyone has suggestions of what may be up with him, or things which I could try like different foods, different tank set up or anything like this which could invigorate him then I'd be very grateful.

Cheers,
Rob

 

i think it might just be old most crabs live 5-10 years. i think once old animals don't like food its pretty much going to pass soon. i used to have a dog that at the end of its life refused to eat and drink they only thing it would take was chicken broth

sorry i don't have much expierence with large crabs but thats what i believe it is

 

Thanks for the reply, I think that is most likely the case, but thought it was worth asking to see if anyone may have experience of any other problems with crabs which could lead to the same symptoms.

Cheers,
Rob