Howie The Crab Successfully Molted As 29,000 Fans Watched Live!

Howie the crab has molted! And the internet is celebrating!

The TikTok famous rainbow crab, who's stolen hearts all over the world, had a tough molt in December so her mom, Laura Porter, feared that she may not be able to molt this time around. There were lots of happy tears and applause as Howie completed her molt in front of 29,000 fans watching on TikTok Live.

While thousands of fans tuned into Howie's live TikTok on Sunday morning, everyone hoped for the best as they watched the crab struggle to get out of her shell. It was touch and go for a bit, but Howie was able to successfully molt and right in front of her many fans who were cheering her on the whole way.

"Come on, 29,000 people watching, Howie, come on. You're almost there babe, I'm seeing some legs. Here we go, she's wiggling," Porter said holding back tears. "There! Oh my God, oh my God, Yes! You made it baby. You made it!"

Porter's relief could be heard in her commentary. She's been mom to this sweet crab for more than seven years and since introducing her to the internet, many people are now invested in her well-being.

Porter was concerned about this molt because the last one, that took place in December, was a three-month process. It seemed as if her older age was making it harder for her to molt which in turn meant this molt could be tougher. But luckily, she was able to get it done in 31 days and now has a new lease on life, and her online fans couldn't be more excited.

Porter was clearly not the only one crying tears of joy and relief. Many followers shared that they too were crying for the rainbow crab's good news.

"I never thought I’d be crying over a little crab named Howie on the opposite side of the world, but here we are, ???" one follower wrote on TikTok.

"My husband rolled over and asked why was crying and all I could say was Howie!!!! WAY TO GO HOWIE!!!" wrote another.

Instagram followers also shared their happiness over Howie's molt, as well as the fact that they've shed some tears.

"Here I am crying on a public restroom toilet for the miracle that is Howie’s strength and renewal!" one person wrote on Instagram.

"Oh Howie!!!! Yaaay!!! I'm sorry I missed the live but was THRILLED to open insta and have the video of her molt be the first one I saw! I went straight to your page to make sure it wasn’t from the last molt!!! It brought tears to my eyes to hear the joy in your voice!!! Yep-crying happy tears here for a crab I never even met! ?" added another.

Some fans were glued to the Live so they could witness the big moment as it happened.

"I watched the live from 7:30am EST and I cried and cheered and am so happy! Knew you could do it Howie!!!!" one fan wrote. Another added, "Omg! I’m so happy! Been checking even at the Phillies game ..my niece is like what a crab! She’s hooked now! Happy Day!"

Porter knows just how many people are invested in Howie's life and adventures, so she makes sure to update her online communities often. She shares updates on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram and on every platform, Howie has a large support group rooting for her.

When Porter spoke exclusively to The Blast a few weeks ago, she talked about her online community saying she's aware that Howie is the most loved crab in the world and that she has stolen tons of hearts.

"I'm really hoping she makes it through her molt," Porter said. "So we can have more time together and keep sharing our adventures with the world."

Thanks to today's successful molt, there are many more Howie the crab adventures headed our way.

Way to go, Howie! We're so happy you molted and can't wait to see what amazing things you do next.