Let's say theoretically I just watched a toddler rip the claws off of a kelp crab. Will it regenerate them before it dies of starvation or is this particular crab just done for?

I will assume it's an adult. Since it's lost one claw it's fine. If food is scarce then it's pretty much done for. If both are gone. If both are gone and food is plentiful then it's still cooked. Kelp grabs can filter feed via the water if it has suspended organics, but that is not enough to stay alive. Regrowth takes around 1.5/2 years, that takes up energy.




TL;DR: If 1 arm is gone, very high chance it will live. If 2 are gone, consider the krab dead

Damn too much SpongeBob. I meant to say "Crab"

dude did you rip off the claws of a kelp crab