video of moulting crab!!!

[Beejay]

I'm so proud of myself! I got this uploaded finally after an hour of difficulties but it was worth it, I think!

<a href="http://www.saltinemonkey.com/crabmoulting.WMV">Video</a>

It's windows media video.

Enjoy! :D :D :D

Bj

[Darlene]

The kids & I keep red-claw crabs in our aquariums & have witnessed a few molts. Pretty cool isn't it ? ! We have the carapace from our very first crab's very first molt ! Rather unique conversation piece !!

[XxRachxX]

THAT was absolutely great:) you need to make more funky vids:) your commentary was good too;)
this makes me want crabs even more!!!!! lol.......i have 7 plastic ones....but i dont think that counts! aah.....the wonders of crabs....

[Tim and Julie B]

Well I can honestly say I have never seen that before. Pretty cool! It looks like a very difficult task for him.......her.......it. Thanks for the vid! Did he ever find a new shell? And what did that other crab do with the old shell? Maybe he really liked that shell and was waiting for him to move out.

[Gregg M]

Hey BeeJay, Thats some pretty handy camera work........ I never seen a hermit crab molt before........ Cool vid........ But I think I like your other one better;) ............

[Beejay]

lol Thanks guys. It was a spur of the moment production and I babbled right through it hahaha

Anyhow, the crab completed moulting, then went for a swim, and after soaking for about half an hour it started walking around in the tank. I put the three shells before it and left it alone and it picked each one up, and eventually moved back into the old shell. Guess he wasn't ready for the next size up. I need more shells!

So I bathed the crabs last night and it seems he's still a little on the pale side as the exoskeleton hardens again, but he's doing well and I think the smallest one (of four) will be next, it keeps burrowing under the water dish.

hehe thanks for watching my silly video! And thanks for the private feedback ;)

Bj