I'm rather skeptical of what sales ppl from the store claims. It is always safer to read up more info yourself and getting advice from the experience keepers from the forums. Once you have the chance to post some pics up. I'm sure it'll be a more accurate ID from the peeps here.
It is rare for females to cannibalize males after conception. However, it is true that some females may exhibits hostility towards the males when she is gravid. Female might become more territorial but the chances of chasing the male around the tank with the aim to kill is very low.
If the communal tank for the pair is very small and the male suffers prolonged stress and accumulated injuries (e.g. pinching from a gravid female and chased out of a hide/burrow), the male might be weakened over time and unable to fend off himself and finally succumbs. Especially so when the size difference from the pair is great. The male might be overpowered sooner. That being said, it is still on the uncommon side.
Sample of smaller male at the bottom. Top two are the larger females.
- Click to view:
If the enclosure is large (e.g. a 10 gallon for just a single pair) with multiple hides and adequate food and humidity provided, the chances of cannibalism reduces but it might be a pickle to separate the male when the female has given birth. Hence, it is advisable to separate the male once your female has been positively ID'ed as gravid.
