Why does my hermit crab smell like fish? Is he molting or dead?

Question

My hermit crab is in his shell, but I'm not sure if he's molting or he's dead he smells like fish.

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

Hermit crabs will usually bury themselves in the sand when they are molting, but some may stay on the surface. He shouldn't smell like fish, so it is possible he passed. Gently lift him up, or scoop away a bit of sand if he is buried, and observe him for any movement. You should see some movement. If the odor intensifies over the next day or so and he doesn't move, he likely passed.

Why does my hermit crab smell like fish? Is he molting or dead?

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