Boxer Crab seems ill

immunetek · 02-21-2007, 03:03 PM

Hi Folks,

We are very new to saltwater tanks, we recently set up a 200 Gallon mixed reef tank and under advice from our LFS added the cleaning crew just over a week ago after letting the tank cycle.

We also added a boxer crab who promptly disappeared only to reappear yesterday flat on his back with 2 missing legs.

He is still alive but upside down all the time with a large flap opening from time to time on his underbelly. At first we thought he was injured but having read up on this maybe he is just shedding his skin?

As he hasn't moved since appearing like this 24 hours ago, wonderd if anyone could offer any advice.

Thanks

Nige & Gill

Gordonious · 02-22-2007, 12:01 AM

I am sorry. I think it is probably on it's way out. I would leave it in there and give it a chance unless it has stopped moving completly. If it was shedding it would probalby be hinding somewhere and wouldn't be out where it was visible. I had one that died. I tried to ask for advice on them and not a soul could tell me too much about them. I couldn't find too much info about them the last time I did a search.

I am getting ready to get another one that another reef club memeber has had for several months now.

immunetek · 02-22-2007, 05:25 AM

ok, thanks for the help. I'll keep an eye on it

immunetek · 02-22-2007, 04:38 PM

Well it seems my boxer survived, I came home today to find his empty shell and no sign of the crab. I have searcehed the tank and can only assume he is now hiding

Gordonious · 02-22-2007, 05:30 PM

Awsome, let us know if you find it. Pics are always cool to. :-)

**CarmieJo** · 02-24-2007, 10:41 PM

Hi Nige & Gill,

to TR.

Anymore info on your crab?