Where to measure size?

[POPPIT]

Hi All....I didn't know where to post this but i thought this section suited most...When it comes to the size of my crabs i am a little confused on where i am suppose to measure them for an accurate reading, so i can compare it to the size chart i found and the gallons per crab guide....Am i suppose to measure across from longest leg to longest leg?(As in left to right for example)...My crabs came up as Mediums on the receipt when i bought them but I'm not sure what the pet stores go by when sizing their crabs...I also have a female that's smaller then my "medium" crabs and my newest male crab(adoption) is larger then my "medium" crabs....Any advice and experience with sizing is welcome as i don't want to overload my tank if i plan on getting more crabs.

[Ginger]

This is a sizing chart that I use, I'm pretty sure you are referring to this. http://lennon.csufresno.edu/~esperance3 ... hartV2.doc You measure the crabs when they are standing still in a normal position between their first pair of walking legs. (Best to print off in a word document/PDF). I wouldn't go by the sizing given by the pet stores as you suspected, they are not inaccurate as such, but different to the standard sizes referred to by online crabbers.

[POPPIT]

I will print that out tonight, thanks....Oh the first pair of walking legs i thought it would be the last pair of walking legs(the first meaning next to the claws yes?)....Very helpful info thanks!

[Ginger]

All good. Yes, the first pair of walking legs I mean the ones closest to the claws.

[POPPIT]

Thanks....i measured them yesterday with them being large smalls 2inches or under...Gonzo refused to come out but i think he would be a medium at 2.5inch or possibly a large at maximum at 3inch..My girl Seven is still burried from the new tank switch but she will be a small i think.