New crab has fuzzy stuff on his back (not his shell)

gemini9 · May 18, 2014

So I went to LFS today to look around and ended up grabbing 3 crabs. 2 scarlets and some other bigger crab that I have no idea what he is. A brown leg hermit or something. He's a little bigger than the others. But when he comes partially out of his shell, I notice he has like... fuzzy stuff on his back. I duno maybe it's just algae. But should I be concerned? I don't have a QT yet, but that's in my near plans before I start stocking fish. The shells of these 3 crabs looks horrible. Kinda dirty like. Not as clean as pretty as the shells on my 2 blue leg hermits. They had a emerald crab in there that I wanted soooooo bad but they said he would have trouble handling my current nitrate level.

haha and one of the smaller crabs keeps piggybacking on the backside of the larger crab! It's so hillarious! The big crab will roll around and knock him off but the little guy will just climb right back on again hahaha that cracks me up. But anyway, what's the story with the fuzzy stuff? Hairs? algae? Disease? Hard to get a pick because he hardly comes that far out of the shell.

Dalmatia · May 18, 2014

I wouldn't worry too much

gemini9 · May 18, 2014

And I think he only has one eye lol May be kinda dumb question, but will it grow back?

Dalmatia · May 18, 2014

Don't think so lol

Dalmatia · May 18, 2014

Must be a tough dude

Dalmatia · May 18, 2014

Make him a patch hahah

gemini9 · May 18, 2014

lol poor thing. The other crabs in the tank are crawling around but he's just sitting there. Maybe relaxing. The other 2 crabs were bullying him crawling on his back and piggybacking. They are exploring on their own now. One of them prolly poked his eye out

Dalmatia · May 18, 2014

Maybe they want his shell! You better be carful he don't eat your snails for there shell! The bigger they get you'll need to buy them bigger "homes"

gemini9 · May 18, 2014

I have one turbo snail right now and for some reason he's at the very top rim of the tank and right at the water line. Like he's trying to get out. What's up with that? I'm going to order some more snails off of reefcleaners.net and a few plants. I'll order their 15 gallon quick crew with the free shipping and add some plants to the mix. I'm also throwing some extra shells in the shopping cart.

reefingonmymind · May 20, 2014

Imo the crabs will eventually kill the snails for the shells. Just a matter of time.

gemini9 · May 20, 2014

I found a seashell laying around the house I dropped in the tank and the biggest crab walked over and switched into it. lol it doesn't quite fit him, as it's a little too big and awkward. Difficult for him to get around in it but for some reason he's staying in it. lol funny.