California mantis returns...

[dayth]

The mantis is good and frisky.

Yes, this is another Ranch 99 Hemisquilla (.25 lb). I've had him a week and he's eaten raw black tiger shrimp three times. Been feeding him about 1" length of shrimp every 2-3 days- good or more? He went aggressively after the poking shrimp stick this morning...

He's camped out in a little rock underhang right now- what could I give him for a more cozy home? No mud flat burrows unfortunately...

Thanks!

 

[ADHybrid]

WOW...that is a BEAUTIFULL mantis!!!!!:eek1: I see your in California like me. Would you mind telling me where you got that one so I could perhaps purchase one??

 

[dayth]

I got the mantis at Ranch 99 in Alhambra, which is an Asian grocery store. They're a chain, so you might have luck finding them elsewhere in CA and OR. They're in the large, aerated tanks near the live seafood department. (Also have deliscious cabazon, crystal crabs, geoducks, mussels, etc..) If you're a member, mantis are usually on sale for $9.99/lb, or $16.99/lb for nonmembers. (so $2.50 for a 6" shrimp versus $30 for 2" shrimp at your LFS... it is risky...)

However it is a grocery store and not a pet store so it's a hit-or-miss to try and keep one from there. My first attempt ended sadly... you may check out this post:http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70076&highlight=ranch

I would recommend a smaller, active one if you try this. Also keep in mind this is a cold-water species (a chilly CA native, I've local scuba divers call them ghost shrimp...).

But I agree- they are real pretty, which is why I made a second (looking sucessful yay) attempt with the tasty shrimp.

 

[ADHybrid]

Thanks alot. Well, I dont know if any of our Asian grocery store's will have these shrimp but I'll keep my eyes pealed. I remember that post.....sorta sad . Hope you have more success with this one. I'm not sure if I'll be able to set up a temperate aquarium for this little guy but I'll sure look for him next time I'm in Fresno!!!



p.s. You might try feeding him some freshwater crabs or crawdads. I feed my mantis these and he seems to do real good off them. The Crabs I get from a local pet store and the crawdads are from a baitshop so they are the cheaper choice. I've found that giving them a chance to use their appendages (clubbers or spearers) makes them happy. Sometimes I will put a crab in for Max (my mantis) to hunt even though I know he wont be hungry but he'll eventually eat it so its all good!