Keeping Damon medius babies communally

[mantisfan101]

Anyone attempted this before, specifically with babies from, the same hatch? I've been hearing mixed results with it but it mostly seems that they're only communal short term and will quickly begin cannibalizing. Anyone have any other input?

 

[ForTW]

Depends on a lot.
Food, space, hides etc.
Will there be weaker specimen, beeing eaten by the larger ones.

If you want to be sure, make small groups but if you're OK with 10% loss, you can keep them communally.

 

[CRX]

I would say keep them communally. Let the strongest survive and you'll have the best prospects for the future.

 

[Taffy]

I would say keep them communally. Let the strongest survive and you'll have the best prospects for the future.

not how that works hahahah. that works with monkeys and apes, etc.

 

[BobBarley]

Going off of the literature on Damon diadema, cannibalism among siblings is extremely rare until sexual maturity in captivity. Check out this paper by Dr. Rayor & Dr. Taylor.
Although D. medius definitely exhibits different behavior, I would feel fine about a sibling communal as long as they are separated before the 9th/10th month.

 

[mantisfan101]

Thanks for the help, I currently have them communal in small groups, after I sell most off I’ll separate.