QuestionMy grandson wanted HC's for his birthday last year. In Oct '09, I spent all kinds of time reading up on them, making sure I had everything possible they needed and got everything cleaned & set up. He picked out 2. They did great! And then 2 months ago one of them died. They had both changed shells a couple of time, both of them molted within 2 months of each other. When the 2nd HC died, I felt personally responsible - but I don't know why he didn't dig himself out from where he was. The remain HC grew MORE, and he's now finally in a shell for awhile now, comfortable, and 3 times larger than when we brought him home. My grandson has been lobbying for a new HC to keep him company. I caved. Got a new one; a bit small than the current HC, but his legs and pincher are close to size. I took the new HC out of his container, thinking I'd have to 'coax' him out. Not so! He was active immediately. About an hour after seeing they were 'sleeping' near each other, I looked in again - and my current HC had the new fellow on his back and trying to get into the 'meat' of his underside. I pulled him off and put them on either side of the 20 gal acquarium - I have never seen my HC so focused - he was on the prowl to get to the new HC immediately. Actually never saw him move that quickly - the new HC was in the food dish, and current HC(apparently thru radar), went right into him to flip him over again so he was belly up - - this was not some pushing match; this was real agression. And the current HC is a tad bigger than the new member - but I was frantic because it was really very serious. So I tried separating them again; it was no use. MY HC was out for damage and not over a shell. My HC is out for a kill - his pincher is wide open when he's turning him over. I have 3 cats & a dog; I've had HC since last yr and have done a pretty great job so far - but I've never witnessed this all out agression! I was frantic; not having another enclosure I took a large paper plate, cut it in half, and have kept them separated. This is positively not a pushing match, my current HC wants to take the new HC apart.
I don't know what to do. Isn't a 20 gal aquarium large enough for 2 HCs? It used to be. But he's grown so since last October. Am I going to have to get another home for the new one? I am talking serious agression. I need some serious help.
AnswerThis is absolutely shell aggression. You described it to a T. Sometimes they get aggressive for a particular shell even though they have a good one and plenty to choose from.
Here's what you do. First, you need to go to Crabbage Patch or Naples Sea Shell store online and order the exact same shell your victim crab is in, but a little bigger than the shell your aggressor crab is in. Once you have that shell, boil all your empty shells, let them cool and lay them opening facing the ceiling, wet inside. In the mean time be feeding them lots of fresh proteins. Egg yolks, steamed shrimp with the tails on, unseasoned chicken, silversides. Also calcium. Egg shells, cuttle bone, etc.
Once the new shell arrives, take all the decorations out of the tank. Rearrange as much as you can. Give both new crabs a dip in the water bowl or a bath, put all the shells in like I said and then the crabs. Make sure there is lots of food and at least two separate places to hide.
You will have to watch carefully but this should fix the problem. If it doesn't take the victim crab out and leave the aggressor crab in with the shells alone.
Good luck!
