Pair of Mantis - how long will it last?

[alprazo]

I added a female mantis to my male. First separated in the same tank and about a week ago I let her free. Initially, they avoided each other but by the next morning, they were sharing a burrow. It has been a week. They have created two burrows but 90% of the time they are together in the same one. I have seen zero aggression thus far. The species is Gonodactylus chiragra.

Will they continue to cohabitate or will I end up finding one or both dead from fighting?

Thanks for input/advice.

[Hadla]

Wow that is cool... can you post a few pics of them together? Sorry I can’t help but I think one would eventually kill the other

[alprazo]

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wiQzRsEx3Q/WlGCAbSDScI/AAAAAAAAACo/3B8JBKLa5icgbYQsp23qznbT5CZSufavgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180106_205347.jpg

I'll take another shot when they move to the live rock burrow.

[alprazo]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQbNv8veKDo" framweborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Hadla]

It’s so interesting to watch! Thanks ��

[Gonodactylus]

Gonodactylus chiragra is a species that has a mate-guarding breeding system. When the female is ready to lay eggs she will occupy a cavity with a male who defends the cavity - particularly against other males. The cohabitation can last for a week or more until the female lays her eggs. A that point the male leaves. If he doesn't, the female may become aggressive an attempt to force him out. Non-reproductive females will not pair with a male..

One interesting feature of this mating system is that males remember females with whom they have paired and will not try to evict them from a cavity for about a month. This is how long the female will be brooding eggs fathered by the male.

Roy

[Hadla]

That is so cool! I just might have to get a male to try it out and have another tank set up for him

[alprazo]

Roy, I really appreciate your input. Thanks.

An update - it has been two weeks now, they remain together in the main cavity. During the day, I will occasionally find the female in the second cavity. Once the lights go out, they end up back together. No aggression witnessed thus far.

[alprazo]

6 weeks and the two are still going strong. Looks like they will survive the honeymoon.