Clams and mantis??

[FunkyFreash1307]

In a few months I will be setting up a reef tank. my plans are to have a 'fuge/mantis tank. it will have some type of macroalgea for export of waste . my ? is will mantis Ignore the t. clam? at this time the fuge looks like it will be 10 to 20 gallons. i am looking at smaller mantises, like P. Cilica(?).

Thanxs for any help you can give me, i have learned alot reading this forum.(Dr.ROY, YOUR LIST ROCKS!)

MIKe

 

[AVALover5498]

I would not recommend putting a mantis in with a clam. The sudden movement of the clam closing or opening could cause the mantis to attack. Plus, if you spent 50 bucks on a clam would you want to risk it getting killed by a shrimp? Just put the clam in your main display and put the mantis in a seperate nano or your fuge. Just my 2 cents.


-Chris-

 

[justinl]

The problem with having a mantis with a clam is that if the mantis goes after the clam, it will hve too much meat to handle. Your water will then quickly foul. A smasher will probably do this eventually.

As for a spearer im not sure. P. ciliata (im assuming thats the one you're talking about) is a primitive smasher so maybe, maybe not?

 

[FunkyFreash1307]

Yes it was P.ciliata. the reason the clam can't go into my main tank is i MAY have sea horses . If the ponies try to hitch on it the clam may close on their tails. Roy what say you (as you ARE an expert ) Thax you
MIKe
p.s. chris you are a swine , clean your pm box

 

[Pea-brain]

I believe that spearers can open clams. I think I read that somewhere, but am not sure

 

[justinl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9093130#post9093130 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FunkyFreash1307
Yes it was P.ciliata. the reason the clam can't go into my main tank is i MAY have sea horses .

Ummm... you know about the risk you're taking when you put seahorses into a mantis tank right? Mantises aren't the most friendly creatures ever, whereas seahorses... well in general they pretty much require peaceful tankmates dopn't they? Just wanna make sure you the risk.

 

[FunkyFreash1307]

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!! the sea horses go in main tank, and mantis to live in the 'fuge. OKAY? Sorry to flip out but I would never try that! PETA would slam down on my a**

 

[AVALover5498]

Calm down mike! It was a simple misunderstanding.


-Chris-

 

[DanInSD]

P. ciliata is a spearer, not a "primitive smasher". My guess is that it would be fine with clams. The main issue with the clam is light, IMO. You need a lot of it, which some mantis species may not like.

 

[Thurge]

Dr. Roy will tell you there is a chance your mantis will eat your clam.
In my experience I had a 3" mantis with a 4" hippocampus clam with no problems. IMO as long as your mantis is smaller (and will stay that way) than the clam you are keeping its unlikely (but still possible) your mantis will look at as a meal.

 

[justinl]

hahaha, my bad mike, I didn't read that post carefully enough.