Could I have a Mantis Shrimp in my tank??

[CDP13075]

I've been reading info about them and starting to think I have one in my reef tank.

I've had several blue legged crabs die and one scarlett reef crab. I hear this clicking noise all the time when the lights go out, but I have never seen anything.
Does it sound like I might have one in the tank?

 

[shan820]

I'd say so, but I'm new at this. I also face the same dilemna. Had TBS live rock for over 1 month now, constant clicking, many busted barnacles and occassional dead crabs. I have tried the bottle trick over and over but no bites. This guy hasnt even shown his face. Its stressing me out. I figure I should wait until he is gone before adding fish. Does anyone know of any inverts that might attack this guy?

 

[brekurboy1]

An octopus might go for and eat a mantis shrimp but it stands a fair chance of getting killed itself. Triggerfish will readily attack and consume mantis shrimp. But of course I prefer that you play a game of wait-and-capture with the little guy.

CDP - when you say dead hermit crabs what evidence exactly are you finding to support that? i.e. are you finding legs and an empty shell? I also want to say you have a mantis shrimp but I want more info before I give my opinion.

 

[CDP13075]

I'm finding peices of them. They look as if they been ripped from their shells.

 

[brekurboy1]

Yeah I would bet money that you do have a mantis shrimp. Good luck catching him. There are a few threads concerning methods of capture. Look around

 

[shan820]

I got him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took over a month of wait and capture, but we did it. (Although its too late for all the barnacle rocks).