5 Gallon Tank for G. chiragra?

[Jacob D]

Is a 5 gallon tank large enough for G chiragra to live in? Right now she is in my 15g refug and seems to stay close to home. I was thinking about a minibow 5 for a new home.

 

[pisces77]

From what I have read, chiragra packs quite a punch that tank could be in danger of getting cracked.

 

[Jacob D]

Yeah I read up on them having strong striking ability. I don't know of any small tanks with 1/4" acrylic (or glass for that matter) though. This one is 1/8" acrylic.

I haven't seen her strike anything except snails and hermits. When she is out and about and sees me she usually just strolls back to her lair. So I dunno, assuming she can break the tank the question is how common is it for mantis shrimp to do this?

 

[Gonodactylus]

Unless this is a very large (4") G. c., the 1/8th inch acrylic should be fine.

Roy

 

[Jacob D]

Thanks for your input Roy. The animal is about 2 to 2 1/2" length so based on your advice I'm moving forward as planned. Would you expect her to reach that size in captivity (given good conditions)?

Thank you,
Jacob.

 

[Gonodactylus]

No. It would take two or three more years of growth. G.c. are hardy in aquaria, but do not grow very much and molt infrequently.

Roy

 

[Jacob D]

Thanks again.