Dr. Roy, Rock density and small smashers?

[Neo-Fight]

I know that a lot of species of stomatopod chisel their burrow directly into LR. I don't have any traditional LR on hand, just "lace rock" that I picked up as base rock. If I put that in my mantis tank with the 1" N curacaoensis, will he be able to shape it to his needs? I am afraid it may be too dense or otherwise not suitable.
Thanks

 

[Gonodactylus]

Most smashers do not directly excavate their cavities, they modify them. THey close up side endrances, chip out entrances, etc. Coralline algae and/or coral then stabilize the modifications. If you don't think that there is a sufficient cavity for the animal, you could take a 3/8 or 1/2 " masonary drill and make one for it.

Roy

 

[biomekanic]

I had a small (1.25" smasher) hammer it's way into a piece of FL aquacultured rock quite handily. I wouldn't worry about it.