mantids and hermit crabs

piepants · #1 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 07:35 PM

hey again everyone
this time im wondering if it is possible to have hermit crabs and preying matis (african) in the sam viv. dont worry about size and everything ive got all of that nailed. i just need help finding out if these will go with hermits and ifnot whcih pet will go with hermits.
are "E" hermit crabs relativly middle sized (cause i dont think i want a massive one XD)
cheers again
tom clues

Jason · #2 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008, 08:05 PM

Hermits are curious little buggers with pinchy parts and WILL grab whatever plops down within reach after a initial starttle. once thay pop out if the Mantis is still within reach.. buh bye mantis.. buh bye. Ive seen hermits beat the snot outta there own kind , my wife has 6 and let me tell you. i got grabbed once, took almost 45 min to get it off. Keep the crabs with crabs and nothing else you value

Rainfrog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 08:07 AM

Good advice. Do some google searching on Hermits. I have read that some need Salt water or atleast brackish water in their tank to have a good go of it

J-rock · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 07:08 PM

I never mix species...not worth the risk, plus they most likely have different requirements.

herpmad_boi · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 03:57 PM

Yes, african mantis need humidity, about 60%, not sure on hermits, but, i wouldnt personally.

paludarium freak · #6 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 08:10 AM

Hermit crab need very high humidity. Since they have modified gills, they need humid air or the gills will dry out and they suffocate. Humidity wise, they would go together, but not worth the risk... I've had 7 hermit crabs in the past, and I only got pinched twice... It doesn't hurt too much and does not take 45min to get off, more like 45 seconds :P

beckdg · #7 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 08:23 AM

crabs let go when they want to.
if they're scared they won't let go.
hermits are willing to risk being torn in half as opposed to letting go of their shells... and sometimes whatever they're holding on to.
i've spent over 20 minutes coaxing one off of a fishing net i have in the tank for mine. unfortunately it was so i could put the lid back on and i had to re-wet the enclosure to raise the humidity back because of the persistent little bastard.
i'd say under the right conditions 45 minutes may not be much of a stretch.