Hole in emerald crab claw

[346700984]

Was wondering if anybody had any idea why our new emerald crab has a whole with black/white coloration in one of its claws? We just bought her and came home and noticed it. She’s in quarantine. Thanks!

 

[Jarbour14]

Looks like a barnacle,

refer to this previous thread for possible help!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/emerald-crab-problem.649802/

 

[346700984]

Looks like a barnacle,

refer to this previous thread for possible help!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/emerald-crab-problem.649802/

Thanks, we did read through that but didn’t see any definitive answers. The hole isn’t raised. It’s white inside of the hole which I’m assuming is the crab meat but it’s sort of black around the hole.

 

[346700984]

Looks like a barnacle,

refer to this previous thread for possible help!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/emerald-crab-problem.649802/

I’m wondering if she maybe was pinched or bitten by one of the male Emerald crabs that was in the tank with her when we bought her.

 

[Jarbour14]

It definitely could be possible! Smart to QT, I would wait until it molts or see if it heals itself to know for sure. Goodluck!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

You're right, that is likely from an injury. Larger crabs get that when housed with other crabs. It won't heal until the crab molts. If the hole goes all the way down into the muscle tissue, infection can set it that may cause it to lose that leg.

Jay

 

[346700984]

You're right, that is likely from an injury. Larger crabs get that when housed with other crabs. It won't heal until the crab molts. If the hole goes all the way down into the muscle tissue, infection can set it that may cause it to lose that leg.

Jay

Thanks

 

[346700984]

Went to another tropical fish store and their emerald crabs had some missing claws and two had the same hole ours has. I’m starting to think they fight each other.

 

[346700984]

The woman who owns the shop where we got our emerald from called me back tonight. She thinks the crabs’ shell was soft from a molt and something caused the hole in the new soft shell and that she’s not worried about it. Zoidberg is doing well, climbing rocks and eating.

 

[Hincapiej4]

It'll molt and be ok. Sometimes they are missing arms, legs, etc. They molt and they are find. Relax :)

 

[346700984]

It'll molt and be ok. Sometimes they are missing arms, legs, etc. They molt and they are find. Relax :)

Thanks