Emerald crab dead or molt?

[MysterioMask]

I can't tell if this is a molting or a dead crab. I had the crab for a few weeks and it's been doing fine. Although the last couple days it didn't seem to be eating like normal it ate less and moved a little less than it normally would. Later yesterday I saw it kind of floating with the current against a rock. I poked it and it seemed to float rather easily and settled down on the sand and hasn't moved. I took some pictures of it one upside down and one flipped over right. I don't seem to notice eye stalks on it but maybe I'm just too new at this. Normally the crab had a few hiding spots it likes and I can find it relatively easy but after a long time searching I couldn't find it.

What is everyone else's opinions. I don't want to tear it apart yet just in case it's still alive somehow. But I may do that later today.

I have a peppermint shrimp and snails and all seem to be doing fine. All my parameters seem to be decent as well.

 

[Tahoe61]

Looks like you can just take a net and remove it. If the crab is still alive it will move. Molting typically takes a matter of hours, the invert will hide or remain motionless for a day or two while the exoskeleton hardens. My first impression is that the crab is dead.

 

[GoPitt88]

It might be its empty shell from his molt. He could be hiding elsewhere, waiting for his new exoskeleton to harden.

 

[Bret Brinkmann]

I had a snapping shrimp molt and it took several days of laying on the bottom out in the open motionless. It referred to be right in front of my powerhead. It looked dead but it was alive. It would always move when I poked at it but maybe sometimes they won't move. It shouldn't hurt to leave it in there for a week while you keep an eye on it. Give it some time in case it is still alive.