Female Fiddler Crab in Heat?

Question
Hi, I've recently gotten into fiddler crabs, and today I brought home a female companion for my male Fiddler Crab, Eugene. The initial meeting was about what I expected, a little shyness on both Matilda (the female) and Eugene's part, but they seemed to be fine, and I figured they'd warm up to each other eventually. Anyway, I left for the grocery store, and when I returned I noticed that Matilda had her "egg flap" open, and she was covering herself in bubbles. Is this her way of attracting Eugene? Is there something wrong with her, or is she just in heat? I'm a little concerned. Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Melody,
Interesting observation! I believe she may be showing a behavior that relates to breeding. If she already has been carrying eggs when you brought her home she may be releasing them....but unfortunately, for the baby larvae..they need very special oceanic conditions in which to survive and I've never heard a case yet of anyone having the babies survive because these conditions are near impossible to duplicate in our aquariums.

Fiddlers are fascinating creatures and they never fail to entertain!

I hope this helps and sorry for the bad news...
Karen~