Antennae...

[djborrmann]

Not sure what they are really called.

My 6 inch O.S. is missing (as best I can tell) one of the antennae below it's right eye. It mut have happened during the night. There is just a dark stump (apparently) where it used to be. Does this grow back? Is there something I need to do to help the mantis out?

Jason B

 

[Gonodactylus]

Stomatopods lose antennae and antennules all the time. They can grow back, although it will take a few molts. Missing one will not cause it any significant problems. You are lucky it didn't lose and eye. Eyes do not regenerate - although occasionally an antennule will regenerate in its place.

Roy

 

[djborrmann]

Thanks Roy.

Is there something that can cause this? There aren't any other critters in there that I think could cause damage of any kind to the O.S. There is a lawnmower, a few turbos, a few scarlet leg hermits, and another small (1.5 inch - not much bigger than the lost attenae itself) mantis living in some live rock next to his burrow. Anyway, is this a sign of an unhappy mantis or just the natural course of things. I guess I ask because you said I was "lucky" that he didn't lose an eye. Was looking for some clarification.

Roy, I gotta tell you, the way you answer posts here...wow. Forever faithful to the flock. Thanks for all your help!!

Jason Borrmann

 

[Gonodactylus]

Often a damaged antenna or antennule will develop an infection (often this will appear as a black, sooty material) that eats away at the underlying tissue. When the animal molts, the appendage breaks off and everything distal is lost. With luck, that is the end of the problem and the appendage regenerates on subsequent molts. Some species such as Hemisquilla are really prone to this problem. O. s develop it, but often times can recover. We see this in animals in the field as well as in captivity.

As to what caused the initial injury, I could only speculate. Injury during capture or while being held and shipped is most likely. Often times severa animals are thrown together and injure one another. In the aquarium, a crab can pinch an antennule or that animal can actually hit it itself when striking. It is not unlike you hitting your finger pounding a nail with a hammer.

Bottom line is that these infections can take months to develop. At this point about all you can do is provide quality water and good food and hope.

Roy

Roy