[krackersmom2]

Just to clear up any confusion.....a crab does not come out of their shell during a molt (underground or on the surface). Crabs crawl out of their shell when their is a serious problem. Illness or mites are two causes. They also come out when they are seriously uncomfortable for some reason...mites or too hot. A naked crab just lying in the tank and all pale is not normal. Stick a piece of paper in between the BP claws and if it doesn't respond, then your crabby is most likely gone. I'm sorry and wish I could give you more hope Sometimes deaths do just come on suddenly. Crabs do tend to be more active at night by nature. Usually it takes a few days for the bad smell to come after they die.