Cracking a crab shell

[New2This]

I have a mantis on hold at the LFS till my 24G aquapod shows up "building a mantis mansion". I was watching it kick a few crabs around tonight and drag them back to its deen. Crab 1 I think it just managed to pull it ot of the shell. Crab 2 how ever it worked on for sometime but never manged to break the shell. I guess it was tired because it let the crab go.
Do they usually make several tries before they break the shell? It is close to 4" long, but I have no idea yet what kind it is. Also, what would be a good food to keep in the tank with it while its waiting for its new home?

 

[New2This]

Just want to know if my mantis might be a sissy, thats all.

 

[rwhhunt]

If these are hermits, my scylarrus has eaten some of the six or seven in its tank, they are all small, and probably more work than its worth... Mine LOVES scallops more than anything in the world!! (She told me so)

 

[New2This]

Thanks for the info. Ill give scallops a try and see if they win the bug over