aquarium crabs

Question
I recently bought an aquarium crab (lives under water continuously).  I'm trying to get info on molting.  I believes he's molting but he's dormant and not moving.  He looks 3D, I don't believe he's dead due to his pinchers being bright red.  If he's molting how long is the process and what are some of the characteristics?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi April,
Most crabs, such as Fiddler Crabs will molt about once every month or so. They shed their outer shells as they grow. Usually it takes a little under a week for them to recover from molting. Usually the crabs will disappear and go into hiding during that time. And soon you'll find the empty shell laying around. It sounds like yours is just beginning to loosen his shell.

Just watch him and wait and see.

Best wishes and I hope this helps!
Karen~