Farewell!

[Gonodactylus]

I joined Reef Central 14 years ago to share what I've learned over the years conducting research on stomatopods and hopefully to help others find some of the pleasure keeping these fascinating creatures that I have experienced. The first thing I try to do each morning when I log on to my computer is check Reef Central. Nearly 5000 posts and private messages later, I hope that I have succeeded in helping others enjoy these fascinating animals. Certainly there are a lot more people interested in keeping stomatopods in their home aquaria and fewer interested in killing the occasional hitchhiker than there were when I started. I would like to think that I am at least in part responsible for this.

I caught my first stomatopod 50 years ago this summer, published my first of over 100 papers on them in 1969, and have advised on the making of eight films featuring stomatopods. My photographs have illustrated dozens of articles and research papers. I have mentored 14 PhD and Postdoctoral students studying stomatopods. Unfortunately, it is now time to hang it up. I am retiring this summer after 45 years as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

Closing down my laboratory is an emotionally draining and generally depressing task far more difficult than I expected. Some people have complained recently in this forum that I have not been as responsive as they would like. Frankly, that hurts. I have tried my best to start interesting threads sharing new discoveries about stomatopods or at times just posting a photo that I think you will like. I tried to answer new questions on this forum or private messages and emails and I'm sorry if I haven't gotten to every query. Besides, how many times can I suggest ways to deal with shell rot or comment on why it is not a good idea to keep two stomatopods in the same aquarium?

Over the years I've spent a lot of effort maintaining "Roy's List" that was developed to help the public identify and keep species of stomatopods that are occasionally commercially available. For now Roy's List will remain online at its current location although it may have to come down after I've left the University.

Unfortunately, I find I just don't have the energy or patience to deal with Reef Central. Therefore, I have decided to cease participating in this forum. I wish you - and your stomatopods - all of the best.

Roy

 

[Calappidae]

Farewell Roy,

You've been an amazing source of information on the animals, and an amazing inspiration to those following your path into wanting to learn more and unlock the secrets behind stomatopods.

In regards to the inactivity, personally I never seen that as a big deal. Literaly I've tried to PM before, but I simply didn't have the option as if the PM box was disabled by you, I could only see threads you've responded to or made.

 

[liverock]

True bummer....but....

True bummer....but....

Well Roy, now maybe the next time we meet up on the reef in the Keys like so many years ago...you can hop on the boat this time and go fishing. The day you missed back then we nailed three sailfish over 96 inches while you were over there on Conch reef doing your research.

Thanks for all the great info over the years, and support for Reef Central.

And when you start missing the little smashers and spearers ....hop on Southwest and come on down and we can dive the aquaculture site and you will be in Mantis heaven once again.

Enjoy retirement, you certainly have earned it. I know how you feel, is difficult to give up what you love so much, we are in the same boat in that respect, and my time is coming also.

And when you get bored, come on down and see some still unspoiled and live Caribbean reef like no where else, the elkhorn and staghorn look like 40 years ago.

www.itzalodge.com

is on the beach.....snorkel out front for lobster and conch for dinner....and we have weird mantis there also .... LOL

Sea ya
Richard TBS
www.tbsaltwater.com

 

[jason2459]

This is sad news for us but congratulations on the retirement even though it's tough to get started like you said.

I'm definitely one on here at reefcentral that would have never gotten into keeping stomatopods or know nearly as much as I do about them without your posts and many other resources you've provided like your list. I still have my mantis tank with the same G. Smithii after many years now thanks in major part to you. Thank you so much for everything you've given us.

 

[Alexraptor]

Oh wow, sorry to hear that, and really sorry there are ungrateful people who have made you feel hurt. Its been a true privilige having someone like you hang around here, and I know I have in particular enjoyed the videos you have posted on YouTube.
45 years really is a long time, and I wish you the best in your retirement.

Over the years I've spent a lot of effort maintaining "Roy's List" that was developed to help the public identify and keep species of stomatopods that are occasionally commercially available. For now Roy's List will remain online at its current location although it may have to come down after I've left the University.

Given the uncertainty of the future of "Roy's List" which has been a tremendously helpful resource. Would it be at all permissable for willing aquarists to use the existing text and images to host their own versions of the list so that it may be preserved for posterity?

 

[snorvich]

I am very sorry to see you go. You are a wonderful resource for all of the folks that are interested in these animals and I know that I personally am saddened that you are unable to participate any longer. My thanks and best wishes for the future! You are always welcome here on Reef Central.

 

[JxP]

My mantis shrimp and I thank you for all your assistance! I have been to your website countless times and will miss your posts!

I am surprised people could be so ungrateful on this website given that you are the best source I have found for information online on these creatures. Not to mention being able to get personalized attention on this forum from a real expert has been amazing.

 

[young doz]

I Wouldn't be where i am now without you Roy.

Thank you for everything.

 

[JokerGirl]

I've followed you and your posts (and research) for the better part of 9 years as a member here. You are what sparked what will probably be a lifelong interest for me. I thank you for all of your time spent mentoring. I'm sad to see that the fun has been taken out of it for you.

I look forward to seeing how much further your research (whether from you or those that have learned from you) takes our understanding of these amazing creatures and their remarkable abilities.

I hope that your retirement goes well for you, Dr. Caldwell! You certainly deserve it! Thank you so much!

 

[carmelpi]

I am very sorry to see that you are retiring. You have the best resources for mantis shrimp and I'm hoping that they can be allowed to live on somewhere. I know we must seem like broken records in our begging for answers to problems you have already found solutions for. I also know how frustrating that can be. There's the hope that "this time" the outcome will be different and maybe "mine" will be the exception to the rule.

I know in my questions about shell rot and Ripley there was some discussion about trying to contact you. I only did so, personally, because it was suggested. I did not want to pester you. To be perfectly honest, I assumed you are super busy and when I pm'd you and got "this member has a full mailbox" my first thought was, "oh good, he's busy. Last thing he needs is ANOTHER person pestering him about shell rot - my pm won't go through."

I digress, thank you very much for all the work you have done over the last half century (dear god man!). I am very sad to see you go. I hope that you will occasionally lurk on the mantis forums, at least, and laugh at us baby mantis keepers as we bumble along.

Cheers!

 

[Kharn]

O_O

I guess nothing lasts forever...

Cannot express enough gratitude for all you have done for all on here and across the globe!

Wish you the best in your retirement and live a long happy life full of your favorite things!

 

[nmotz]

Dr. Caldwell, I can't thank you enough for all that I've learned from you, both on this forum and through your published works and films that you've influenced. God bless you in all of your future endeavors.

By the way, just got back from Bora Bora. I asked you a few months ago about the stomatopods there. It's fantastic! I loved it and highly recommend it.

-Nathan

 

[Jlentz]

I've only been around for a little bit on this forum but I greatly appreciate all that you have contributed. In my search for my Smithii I've referred many times to your list and looked for your replies. Good luck with the rest of your time at Berkly and I hope you have a long, healthy, and active retirement.

 

[Martini5788]

Although it has been said many times already, I can't thank you enough for all the information that you have provided this forum and the amazing research that you have done over the years. I am also sorry that you feel jaded over things that have been said on this forum, I truly hope that I did not contribute to that. Had it not been for your wonderful information and dedication, I wouldn't even know that keeping a mantis shrimp in home aquaria would be possible. I wish you the best in your retirement, you deserve it! And thank you again for all that you have done.
Samantha

 

[Adetia]

Sorry to see you go, you will definitely be missed around here. Best of luck in your retirement! Do you plan to keep any stomatopods as pets or have you had enough of them?

 

[Islandoftiki]

I've been out of the saltwater hobby since we moved to The Big Island of Hawaii back in November of 2014.

I've been lucky enough to have had three stomatopods in my care over the past many years. My success, and hopefully educational contributions to the stomatopod community, have served to change people's minds about what these "pests" are really all about. Without your shared knowledge, Dr. Roy, this would not have been possible. For that, I thank you.

To this day, the most mind blowing and personal interactions I've had with a saltwater creature have been with the mantis shrimp. As few of us know, they are magical creatures. I can only imagine the special bond you must have with them with so many years of research. You are a lucky man to have spent much of your career learning about and sharing with us your amazing scientific discoveries.

Right now, words are escaping me as I try to thank you for your amazing contributions in a niche realm of the world that is so poorly understood by the masses. The implications of your research are farther-reaching than you may be thinking right now.

Suffice it to say, that despite all of the internet trolls and negativity that you may have experienced on Reef Central, there are a core group of us who would gladly buy you another round of drinks--to the point of near liver failure--to hear all of the stories and anecdotes you could tell about mantis shrimp. This is my dream.

God speed in your retirement adventures, Dr. Caldwell. If you find yourself on The Big Island, you have a (very nice) place to stay for free.

Cheers, and continue to do great things in your life...

 

[Breadman03]

Dr. Caldwell, I wish you the best in retirement. I'll miss your presence here. Some people fail to appreciate that all of the experts we have here volunteer their time to help us hobbyists.

 

[kegogut]

Have fun in your retirement Roy . I always found it amazing that someone with your status took the time out of your life and schedule to give advice and share your experiences with us people who otherwise wouldn't have a clue on how to take care of these amazing animals.

I sincerely thank you for your efforts and "Felix the cat the mantis shrimp" thanks you too!

 

[Islandoftiki]

I always found it amazing that someone with your status took the time out of your life and schedule to give advice and share your experiences with us people who otherwise wouldn't have a clue on how to take care of these amazing animals.thanks you too!

Well said. Well said.

 

[Stomatopods]

Thank you for all you have done on this forum I appreciate all you have done every thread is extremely interesting I learned most of everything I know about stomatopods just from every comment you have posted. I wish the best for you in your retirement! Farewell.