Few questions before I pick up my Mantis!!

[goodblasson]

I could not help it, I had to order a mantis. Ive been preparing its tank but recently added a six line wrasse and a maroon clown b/c they were getting abused in my reef tank. Will this smasher likely make a meal out of my fish, or will they stick to hermits and snails along with frozen food if I make sure he is well fed? Tank is a 20 gal with sand bottom and lots of live rock. Is this mix going to work??

 

[Thurge]

Depends on the species, and the mantis. I keep fish with my N.wenn, but I know others with different species that are murdurous to fish.

 

[Uriel]

I have a yellow damsel in with my 5" O. scyllarus (Peacock), and a dominodamsel in with my 4.5" peacock. both are in 12 gallon tanks, almost 2 weeks now, the mantis don't seem to care. I do feed my monsters every or every-other day, mind you.

I am getting readly to move each Peacock into much larger tanks (30-37 gallon each), and I may even add in a few more fish (Damsels, maybe a clown).

-Ron

 

[Agu]

As posted it depends on the mantis and the fish.

However, mantis' are carnivores and predators, expect them to do what comes naturally.

 

[goodblasson]

Im not really worried about the clown, he stays at the top of the tank. Its just the wrasse im worried about, he is curious and always on bottom. I guess I will be moving him in soon. I post some pics once hes established. Im not exactly sure about the species. Im expecting a green peacock smasher. If that helps any.

Another question, is a spearer more likely to kill a fish compared to a smasher? Or is still a species issue?

 

[mickey85]

spearers are designed to kill fish and other floaty things. Smashers are designed to eat shelled creatures (crabs, shrimp, etc). However, one will eat the other's food if necessary, they just may not prefer it.