shotcaller88
Arachnopeon
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2007
- Messages
- 10
I finally have everything together for my new Emperor home. Now I can really use some help with the most important part....choosing an emperor. I think I'd prefer a female because they tend to get larger. I'd also prefer a younger scorp.
So I've found 2 pet stores around here that have several of them. The tanks in both pet stores did not appear very humid at all. At one store, the "scorpion guy" (as he was referred to by a co-worker) told me that he keeps his scorpions at home in a much more humid environment. At least he knew his stuff.
Anyway, the Emperors in both stores appeared to be young adults. There were some smaller ones, but I would assume they are the same age. Eventhough I want a younger one, I wouldn't want to pick a smaller one of the group.
I found the following info with a google search:
"If you decide to acquire your Emperor from a pet store, look for a larger active specimen rich in colouration and robust in body size. Females are typically differentiated from the male specimens by their greater body width and thicker post-abdomens ("tail"). Do not choose specimens that appear lethargic or are actively moving about the vivarium with their chelae ("claws") held high over their bodies. Scorpions that carry their chelae in this position, ceaselessly moving about the vivarium, are rarely healthy and most die shortly after acquisition."
So finally, on to my questions....
After I ask the pet store employee to lift up the hiding spot, what should I look for as far as the actions of the scorpions? I'm guessing I should I look for one that moves around a lot but doesn't bully the others. Some of them barely seemed to move at all.
What exactly does "rich in colouration" mean? They all seemed to look the same as far as color. Maybe I didn't look hard enough.
I know they are too fat when the white lines in between the segments are greatly exposed. Sorry for lack of proper terminology there I'll try not to pick one that is too overweight. I'm clearly an amateur at this and it's hard for me to judge these guys. I'm thinking it would be safer to pick one that is slightly fat than one that is too skinny.
I apologize if I started rambling a bit In short, I am just looking for any tips to pick out a healthy Emperor. I am inexperienced here, so the more obvious things to look for the better. This is an important decision for me and I will take the time to study them while choosing my new pet.
Thanks in advance.
So I've found 2 pet stores around here that have several of them. The tanks in both pet stores did not appear very humid at all. At one store, the "scorpion guy" (as he was referred to by a co-worker) told me that he keeps his scorpions at home in a much more humid environment. At least he knew his stuff.
Anyway, the Emperors in both stores appeared to be young adults. There were some smaller ones, but I would assume they are the same age. Eventhough I want a younger one, I wouldn't want to pick a smaller one of the group.
I found the following info with a google search:
"If you decide to acquire your Emperor from a pet store, look for a larger active specimen rich in colouration and robust in body size. Females are typically differentiated from the male specimens by their greater body width and thicker post-abdomens ("tail"). Do not choose specimens that appear lethargic or are actively moving about the vivarium with their chelae ("claws") held high over their bodies. Scorpions that carry their chelae in this position, ceaselessly moving about the vivarium, are rarely healthy and most die shortly after acquisition."
So finally, on to my questions....
After I ask the pet store employee to lift up the hiding spot, what should I look for as far as the actions of the scorpions? I'm guessing I should I look for one that moves around a lot but doesn't bully the others. Some of them barely seemed to move at all.
What exactly does "rich in colouration" mean? They all seemed to look the same as far as color. Maybe I didn't look hard enough.
I know they are too fat when the white lines in between the segments are greatly exposed. Sorry for lack of proper terminology there I'll try not to pick one that is too overweight. I'm clearly an amateur at this and it's hard for me to judge these guys. I'm thinking it would be safer to pick one that is slightly fat than one that is too skinny.
I apologize if I started rambling a bit In short, I am just looking for any tips to pick out a healthy Emperor. I am inexperienced here, so the more obvious things to look for the better. This is an important decision for me and I will take the time to study them while choosing my new pet.
Thanks in advance.