Newblet Question on Communal Scorps

[Spikeyness]

For a loooong while I've been wanting to get into the hobby of arachnids, scorpions more so than anything else. I've touched on the subject before but only recently have I really researched into it, both via the net and Manny Rubio's book. Granted, I shan't be getting one until closer to the summer (financial priorities and all 'at), however I feel it's good to know what I'm getting into and prepared ahead of time.

I've narrowed down my choice of scorp to Heterometrus Spinifer. P. imp was the obvious first choice, however down to the fact I want to observe and learn about them I felt the slightly increased activity of the H. spinifer would suit me better. But worry not, of course I understand that generally most scorpions are all about a 'night on the town'. So I've done a lot of reading and deciding, and I figure I'm pretty well prepped.

Now, finally...here's my question. I've always thought of communal scorpions a little more interesting for the newbletts like myself, and I know the H.spinifer is a communal scorpion BUT...is it a good idea for a newcomer such as myself to start off with two or maybe even 3?

Help's appreciated and look forward to learning more and taking part in various topics regarding scorpions in future.

Ta muchly =D

(PS - If this has been covered around here, sowwe, I did have a ganders but couldn't find this specific question)

 

[RackAttacks]

I started out with 2 p. imperators and they did fine together. The only thing is that H. spinifer is a fairly aggressive species, so housing them together isn't always the best option.
When it comes to housing scorpions communally, especially with these larger species, it's generally best to keep scorpions of similar size together to discourage cannibalism. P. imperator is generally considered a better starter species, simply because of their easy care and general nice disposition.
Somewhere on this forum is a thread from someone who did house spinifers communally, to mixed results.

tl;dr: Both species can do well communally, but P. imperator is a better starter choice.

 

[Kaos]

I've kept up to 7 H. spinifer in the same enclosure without cannibalism. They did fight a bit from time to time but never observed any injuries from it. As long as they have enough space to make individual hides if they desire it should be ok. As poster above said P. imperator might be a more safe card for a beginner.

 

[Spikeyness]

Hmm, ok cool. If I were to stick with say...2 H Spinifer, what sort of tank size would you recommend to give them enough breathing space? I've read various sizes before but they've usually been for smaller species and such. 15-20gal?

 

[BAM1082]

15-20 should be enough.
In my opinion floor space is more important than height.

In my enclousers for this species I use a "Flase Bottom" setup.
Which is just basically an inch or so of gravel/stone at the bottom with Coco on top.

Again, housing multiple scorpions together always carries a risk. So be aware of that.

And be sure that they are the same species.
Alot of pet stores just label them as "Asain Forest Scorpions" ... I have a few but I wont put them together as im not 100% sure they are the same species.


Once u have some experince I suggest B. Jacksoni ; as they are an awesome communal scorpion.

 

[Spikeyness]

Sounds good, luckily I have plenty of time to think. I popped into a shop earlier (specialises in reptiles as well as fish) and they had what appeared to be Emps but the guy who deals with them wasn't in so I'll pop back and double check at a later date.

Thanks for the advice, been v. helpful =)

PS - Just a quick question on substrate, I've noticed a lot of places sell coco husk, is that ok to mix a bit in near the top of the coco fibre or not really necessary/worth while?

 

[RackAttacks]

15-20 should be enough.

Alot of pet stores just label them as "Asain Forest Scorpions" ... I have a few but I wont put them together as im not 100% sure they are the same species.

Exactly. H. spinifer is technically the Malaysian Forest Scorpion, whereas H. longimanus is the Asian Forest Scorpion. It is sometimes very difficult (especially pre-adulthood) to differentiate between the two.

 

[Spikeyness]

Yeah I've noticed, which makes it a pain as there's only one store around my town (that I know of) that has any kind of specialization on reptiles and arachnids, therefore hard to find a store that can actually identify them correctly. I might go with getting them online if I can find a site that has a very high positive rep.