OK. Here's the thing. I've ready so many pages on Mantis Shrimp I'm beginning to think I'm an expert and I've only learned of their existence about three weeks ago.
I have 2 mantis shrimp, one a 5" Peacock, aptly named Ghengis-Prawn (Ghengis for short) and the other a small unidentified one (all greeen who rarelyl ever shows his face) named Leviathon.
I keep them both in a 10 Gallon glass aquarium and, yes, I know the little green one may very well get himself killed.
I have two important questions:
1. Do I really need an acrylic tank? Some sites say glass will be ok, others say yoiu MUST have acrylic. My Mantis do not go around bashing on the glass, although I have once seen the big one bash it on the bottom when he dug right down to the glass.
2. What is the best way to ensure they do not see their own reflection in the glass. For example, I was told by a fiend to use black liners on the back and sides of my aqarium, but all evidence points to the fact that my large mantis can still see his reflection in the glass. Should i use black? Should I use anyting? What should I do? (sorry, I know that is like three questions in itself but you know what I mean).
Please, please help eluciate matters here. I am keeping these Mantis on my desk at the office (which is not 'cuz everyone here is awed by watching them obsess over rocks n' things and eating) but I am afraid that they may one day break the glass leaving a hell of a mess at the office ... which would pretty much get me in some deep sh*t.).
Please advise.
JJ.
I have 2 mantis shrimp, one a 5" Peacock, aptly named Ghengis-Prawn (Ghengis for short) and the other a small unidentified one (all greeen who rarelyl ever shows his face) named Leviathon.
I keep them both in a 10 Gallon glass aquarium and, yes, I know the little green one may very well get himself killed.
I have two important questions:
1. Do I really need an acrylic tank? Some sites say glass will be ok, others say yoiu MUST have acrylic. My Mantis do not go around bashing on the glass, although I have once seen the big one bash it on the bottom when he dug right down to the glass.
2. What is the best way to ensure they do not see their own reflection in the glass. For example, I was told by a fiend to use black liners on the back and sides of my aqarium, but all evidence points to the fact that my large mantis can still see his reflection in the glass. Should i use black? Should I use anyting? What should I do? (sorry, I know that is like three questions in itself but you know what I mean).
Please, please help eluciate matters here. I am keeping these Mantis on my desk at the office (which is not 'cuz everyone here is awed by watching them obsess over rocks n' things and eating) but I am afraid that they may one day break the glass leaving a hell of a mess at the office ... which would pretty much get me in some deep sh*t.).
Please advise.
JJ.
