clicking noise

[mikebrowning]

I keep hearing this clicking noise in my tank? I thought it might be a rock in one of my filters or power heads but I still hear it when I turn them off. Anyone know what it is???

 

[iCam]

It could be a mantis,pistol shrimp, or snail's/hermit crab's shell tapping the glass.

 

[Agu]

Possibly a mantis shrimp or pistol shrimp ?

Also, sometimes al snail gets on a powerhead and it's shell clicks against the glass.

 

[mikebrowning]

what do mantis shrimp or pistol shrimp look like?

 

[iCam]

Mantis:

Pistol:

....joking...

Pistol shrimp:

Keep in mind that shape and color vary.

 

[mikebrowning]

are they realy small? I have not seen those shrimp in my tank

 

[iCam]

Both range in size depending on the species. Pistol shrimp are generally not over a few inches. If you don't see any shells hitting the tank side, then my guess would be a pistol over mantis.

 

[fareforce]

My pistol is only about 3/4" fully extended, and never comes out of the rock. He has paired up with my gobie though!!

My mantis is about 2"-2.1/2" long, and is a lot of fun to watch.


Keep in mind:
Pistol = Reef Safe
Mantis = Not even close to reef safe

My mantis is in a species only tank.


If you know what rock the clicking is coming from take it out of your tank and dip it in RO/DI water for about 30 secs. If it is a mantis he will come flying out! A pistol might take about 3--60 secs to come out. Then put the rock back in your tank and put what ever the creature is back in a container of tank water. Now you can figure out what it is...

Yes, I know it is usually the bottom rock in your tank. I have had to extract 3 mantis from my tank.

 

[rous]

i had the same thing in my tank a while ago and couldnt find out where the clicking was comming from it drove me mad then i was watching my tank one evening and it started and i managed to discover it was a pistol shrimp hiding inside some living rock.seem to be shy things.just see a bit of a claw sometimes but thats it not seen it come out.

 

[ret25yo]

the mantis will try to strike your fingers please be careful!!!!around the rocks until your sure what it is

 

[rous]

mantis shrimp

mantis shrimp

mostly the mantis shrimp is thought of more of a pest.
these are omnivorous shrimp that eat everything including anemones and they also have been known to trap live fish.not one to keep in the aquarium.
dave

 

[SuperNerd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6552067#post6552067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fareforce
Keep in mind:
Pistol = Reef Safe
Mantis = Not even close to reef safe

Not all pistol shrimp are reef safe. I have read that that the ones that come from the atlantic are not so nice...and do not pair with gobies.