Post by Sach-Crabministrator on Aug 20, 2014 0:35:36 GMT -5
What To Do If Your Crab Is Streaking
(Naked, Without A Shell)
(Naked, Without A Shell)
First I will tell you how to help your crab and then I will cover how to deal with the potential causes.
*Check the crab's previous shell for potential damage; rinse out any sub that may have gotten inside.
*Place a small amount of treated fresh water in a container with slick sides and add the old shell & some new choices (opening-up helps).
*Gently scoop the crab up with a plastic spoon or flat shell.
*Place the crab in the container inside the tank.
*Cover the container with a lid or cloth to keep it dark and private.
*Be patient Don't check on them for several hours.
Usually this works unless a crab is too-far gone and/or severely injured.
Now; let's figure out some reasons why your crab went naked.
Crabs streak for a variety of reasons but it is not a "normal" behavior of a thriving, happy crab.
*Crabs streak when they get too hot/dry.
-Check that you have accurate readings of conditions in your tank.
*Crabs can become naked when their shell is stolen.
-Make sure you are providing plenty of suitable natural shells (no less than a bare 5 per crab) for all the crabs in your tank. If you suspect or witness a fight, you may have a different issue to address.
*Crabs can go naked out of pure stress.
-Check the list on the left of common things that can stress crabs to see if any of these could be your issue.
*Crabs will streak if they are injured and/or close to death.
-While your crab is naked, look for any obvious signs like bulges in the abdomen or shriveling.
If your crab hasn't taken a shell within a day or so, you can try re-shelling carefully by hand but most crabs who reach this point don't survive.
Nearly all of us have or will have a streaker at some point & sometimes it's just for a few minutes & no cause for alarm but when it becomes urgent, this is the common method of treatment.
Best of luck!!