Hermit crab

[kiwis]

Today I found what I believe is my hermit crab on the bottom out of his shell and seemed to be alive but also looking dead in other ways...

Went to pick up his shell and some little legs came out and held onto the rock... what the heck is going on?

 

[Vibrant Orange Zoanthids]

It's possible that he lost a battle for the shell or more likely grew out of it. What did the legs look like and what other critters do you have in your tank?

 

[PDR]

You most likely just saw his molt.

 

[kiwis]

You most likely just saw his molt.

What’s that?

 

[kiwis]

It's possible that he lost a battle for the shell or more likely grew out of it. What did the legs look like and what other critters do you have in your tank?

Looked like hermit legs lol

Nothing else in the tank other than fish and coral

 

[Vibrant Orange Zoanthids]

Looked like hermit legs lol

Nothing else in the tank other than fish and coral

I'll have to revise to agree with PDR. Touch the hermit crab outside the shell and see it it responds or seems like a solid mass. Hermit crabs can shed shells and search for another.

 

[Sashaka]

If you acclimated well when you introduced it to your tank, it could be that it needs to shed. As crabs shed, they will exit their shells, and then, if needed, they'll go looking for bigger better houses. Or... it could be just an old crab and it's his/her time to join the other crabs in heaven.

In that case, I'm sorry for your loss.