Can anyone give me species info?

[ATLDrtybird7]

I am recently new to the mantis keeping hobby, althoughi ahve been in the marine hobby for several years now. I was wondering if anyone could give me species information on Gonodactylus smithii. is it a spearer or a smasher? What is it's ideal diet? Compatability with corals? If so, what types? Anything will be helpful! Thanks!!
Mike

 

[DensityMan]

This is a busy day for me linking to Tim (G. smithii).

Original ID thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=245076

Continuing adventures (more pics and info) : http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=266915

Quick summary: I love this mantis shrimp. G. smithii appear to be a very social, observant and smart mantids. This species is reportedly the most likely to 'bluff' there way out of a fight, using their meral spread to intimidate even larger mantids. They are also colorful and active. From what I have been able to pick up (and remember) around here they, can live to be around 4 years of age and get over 4 inches in length.

They are a smasher species. At 2 inches long, Tim prefers nassarius snails to anything else when hunting. When eating from the straw he LOVES brine and mysis shrimp. When he molts he will hide and remain silent for up to 7 days and has been molting at least once a month for me.

He has lived around, in and under one rock for the months that I have had him and though he does chip away at the tunnel through his rock he has not bothered or destroyed anything in the tank except for snails and crabs.

Hope that helps.

 

[ATLDrtybird7]

It sure does, thank you so much. It is so easy to find info on peacocks, but if you have anything other than that, info is pretty scarse, however, I am in the search for one of those as well. Keep the Adventures of Tim going, I am a big fan! Thanks again!