Bright Red Mystery Molts! Who’s in my Tank?

TinyReefObsession · Nov 11, 2023

Someone has been molting in the back corners of my tank (where it’s impossible to clean the glass & get a good look). The other day I spotted a BRIGHT candycane red leg molt, with white spots up in front in the bright light!!! The only red guy in my tank is my Red Tipped Hermit, who’s deep maroon… i added 2 bumblebee snails in July, i think i would have noticed a bright red crab in the bag lol any ideas? And should i worry? The saltwater strawberry crab’s back looks like a match, but i only have legs molts to compare TIA for any suggestions

littlefoxx · Nov 12, 2023

What the? Yeah doesnt look like the hermit. Looks like you have a friend or a foe… no clue but following for sure

TinyReefObsession · Nov 13, 2023

littlefoxx said:
What the? Yeah doesnt look like the hermit. Looks like you have a friend or a foe… no clue but following for sure

Thanks, i was thinking the same- the molts from my emerald crab used to fade, not get brighter! Lol and the hermit crab molts typically disappear within 1-2 days in the tank, whereas this bright molt is visible for weeks like the emerald's were.. i wonder who else is in there lol

kevgib67 · Nov 13, 2023

Intrigued, following.

Mr_Knightley · Nov 13, 2023

You could probably catch the culprit if you set out some food after nightfall, just check with a red light. My guess is it's the hermit shed after the melanin has started fading.

TinyReefObsession · Mar 8, 2024

Mr_Knightley said:
You could probably catch the culprit if you set out some food after nightfall, just check with a red light. My guess is it's the hermit shed after the melanin has started fading.

you nailed it! and apologies for my incredibly late response - but your reply had me stalking my crab with my camera and magnifying glass, and googling color spectrums, etc for weeks! haha and you are totally right! I didn’t realize the deep red would turn BRIGHT red as it faded, and here’s a rude upshot of my crab