Live food size???

[Hutton]

Well, im glad to be the owner of 2 mantis shrimp, a male N wennerae and A small 1 inch, maybe a little less G. viridis.

I have hermit crabs in both tanks for both of the mantis shrimp to hunt. But i was wondering what size emerald crabs and the like would be good for both to hunt, the wennerae is 2 inches long.

 

[justinl]

The primary concern here is what kind of damage the emerald could do to the mantis. Take a look at how big the claws of the crab is. If they're freakishly large then don't put it in. As for overall size, mantises can take out crabs the same size as themselves (vicious little devils )... to be on the safe side though, Id only put in crabs up to two thirds their size.

 

[Hutton]

at my lfs they have the emeralds with tiny little claws. so im not worried about the crab hurting the manti, i just dont want to buy a crab and have the mantis not be able to break his shell open.

 

[justinl]

Oh, well in that case it is dependent on the overall size of the crab and the personality of the mantis. You'll have to try it out to see if your mantis will or won't tolerate an emerald with it. Some mantises will allow it to live for a while before killing when you least expect it too. I would start out with an emerald about half the mantis's size.

 

[ksrinlv]

My N.Wennerae happily invites emeralds around its size to dinner!