Apologies, need your help!

[MJI]

I'm sorry for the really vague description, and I know you like pics but this ones so fast and in an awkward place i cant get one.

I have a mantis in my tank that is causing damage to my fish.

He stowed away on Fiji live rock. He's about 3 inches long, and is dull brown/green colour (a bit like wennerae) and has black spots on his forearms which are circled in white.

I'm trying to get him out but so far - no luck. His hole is on a base rock, which means taking out most of the other rocks in the tank - which i really don't want to do. Corals and anemones cover them.

I have tried a soda bottle, with an uplift tube inserted with forward facing teeth at the entrance to the soda bottle - he can go through, but not back out. As soon as i put this in, he was there looking, but so far no joy (apart from a pest crab - so not all bad).

I have heard putting bait in a stocking, then when they strike their arms get stuck - may try that.

I would like if possible:

*An id, or a couple of guesses would be great

*A rating on my traps so far

*Any idead of other traps i could use.

This guy is really cute, and I want to keep him after I catch him. This is consuming me, not only through frustration, but my eargerness to provide him a new home!!!

Sorry for the long post, and many thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[DensityMan]

Look like the mantis on this page? - Blueboard - G. smithii

He's about 3 inches long, and is dull brown/green colour (a bit like wennerae) and has black spots on his forearms which are circled in white.

That bit above sounds like the start of a good G. smithii description...

Good luck in your hunt and in providing it a good home,

 

[MJI]

The spots oon the arms are exactly the same, but a more browny/green colour - no pink.

Thank for your reply - it is much appreciated.

I really want to keep this guy in his own tank - just can't take him eating anymore crabs/snails, or beating my vampire tang anymore!!

 

[MJI]

Is Smithii a species that would be likey to come with rock from Fiji?

 

[lilswanwillow]

instead of trying to trap him, try feeding him
frozen stuff on a stick. he'll get used to you that way, and he'll stop beating on other stuff in the tank.

 

[DensityMan]

When he's not molting (read: hiding for several days at a time) mine loves taking brine shrimp from the end of a straw (still haven't found anyplace local with frozen Mysis). Of course I also make sure any hitchhikers from home come to this tank to supplement his diet...

 

[MJI]

Any other trap ideas?