I Don't Know If This Will Help....

[Hugalilcrab]

When my crab was sick, she would hang out in the salt water pool for as long as an hour. The last few days of her life, I noticed part of her claw changing from purple to brown. I am pretty sure one other crab of mine did the same thing. Does this sound familliar? If so, can anyone comment who truely knows what happend???

[Wai]

I have noticed some of my previous dying hermit crabs changed colours too. They would get more and more pale and lose color in their skin and the eyes turn grey.

[Mr.Crab]

hm.. sounds weird

[krabby_katie]

Aw, that's terrible. I hope nothing like that happens to mine! Also, sorry for your loses guys.

[vckums]

Ashy could mean the sign of a pending molt. I've not had any crabs change colors and pass that I was aware of. I am sorry the crab passed.

[Juan576]

Yeah, it probably was the need to molt. Do you have deep sand in your tank?

[emmac350]

The other reason for the color change could be that the crab isn't eating the food it needs to maintain coloring. If the crab isn't eating foods to boost its coloring, it seems natural that its coloring would fade.

[CrabbyJo]

I agree with Emmac350, that was my first thought too. Granted I'm a very short timer with owning a hermit crab, but I've been reading voraciously as I find these critters SO interesting!

I've read about the need for carotene by the crabs. Feed them brightly colored vegetables such as carrots and corn, make sure they get a good variety. Good luck with your hermies! So sorry to hear your little guy passed