Leave the crab completely in peace other than to change the water and food; If the crab begins to smell you will know its passed on. They thrive in tanks with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate as the like to graze searching for algae. Evergreen trees turning brown from the bottom up are unsightly. Don't be in a rush to declare your crab dead; mistaking a molting crab for a dead crab is common. I dont remember seeing it in the bag. Thanks, Nat ... My emerald crab is turning white. Has anyone else experienced this? Emerald crabs … If they have died, they will start to smell badly within a few days. A hermit crab may take up to two months to complete the entire molting process, so you will know far before that time whether or not they are still alive—and smaller crabs do not take nearly this long to complete the entire molting process. I all of a sudden now spot a much larger one with big black claws with white tips on the end. I recently discovered a crab that i dont remember purchasing. You will hear stories of having an emerald crab kept safely in a tank for years and there was no problem. I believe he was stuck in a molt. Awaiting replies. Years later, those older bottom branches become a target for disease and insects. I bought a couple (so i think) of emerald crabs a while ago and 1 just died a few weeks ago. Environment. Okay that was too many questions at once sorry. Mine turned white was fine for about a month then died. Emerald crabs have also been known to claim a small area in the aquarium as their own and will try to chase away other emerald crabs from their spot. Anything I should be concerned about ? Emerald crabs do best in aquariums with a lot of live rock. There really is nothing you can do to stop your hermit crab from dying. The Emerald Crab, Mithrax sculptus, are one of the most popular marine crab species for the home aquarium. As voracious algae-eaters, they can be incredibly beneficial members of a cleanup crew. Does anyone know why the back shell of my emerald crab is slowly turning whiter and whiter? We've had this same debate on another site, some agree, some don't. Of all newly planted trees that do not survive, most die during this very important root-establishment period. Proceed With Caution. Sent from my HTCONE using Reefs How to Tell If a Hermit Crab Is Dead By Betty Lewis. The only definitive way to determine your crab has died is if his abdomen turns black and begins to mold. Additionally, monitor your crab for behaviors such as molting in the open or soaking in the water dish, which can also mean it’s sick. Transplant shock will remain a planting concern until the natural balance between the root system and the leaves of the transplanted tree is restored. They prefer to hide in the live rock when the tank lights are on and come out to feed when the tank lights are off.