hermit crab molting

I have had a hermit crab in my saltwater tank for about a month. So far the crab has molted 2 times......Is this normal? Is there a set pattern for molting? ;D

 

Any where from one to two molt periods per month is fine.

 

Thanks,

Does this also apply for shrimp?

Steve

 

I had a couple of coral banded shrimp and one or the other would moult every 6 weeks or so

John

 

Thanks!

The reason I was asking was because I also have a fire shrimp that has molted 2 times since I have had it. That has also been about a month. Just wanted to be sure my pets were otay...

Steve :

 

Steve,

I remember the day my hermit first molted I went into a complete flapping panic as I had no idea that they did that LOL

John

 

Thats funny, because I have a similar story. I work with a guy from maine and the night before(I work nights) we were talking about crabs. I went home and it looked like my crab died(I wasnt thinking). I was not pleased and I didn't like the shell he was using anyway, because It had a real long end on it. So I took it out of the tank and flung it out in the yard. No sooner did it hit the ground, it hit me that it probably molted. So I ran out and got it and since then he is still here and probably pretty mad at me.. >

Steve :-[

 

LOL

Similar to my experience I saw the molted body in the tank and fished it out. Did an autopsy and decided it was the crab that had died.

I pulled the shell out of the tank, shoot it vigorously to expel any water and put it on the light hood. Went away for a few minutes and when I came back the shell was moving along the hood and fell back into the water.

Never trusted that crab again

John

 

Very funny

Steve [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]

 

I think most people would have at least one hermit crab story

John