fvandijk
Premium Member
I initially set up my tank with TBS rock about 2-3 years ago and (as rock from there is known to do) got a mantis shrimp as a hitchhiker. Although I believe he regularly munches on the hermits and occasionally on the snails in the tank, he has not to my knowledge killed any my fish during that time period (only possible exception of a six-line wrasse which disappeared only to be found (bones) in the sump- I think it is more likely that he went over the falls). It's been quite enjoyable to get sneek peeks of him from time to time when he does a quick food-run at feeding time and he's also done a great job of turning over the sand bed.
But....he has increased in size and I've been wanting to add some smaller invertebrates and fish so I recently decided that he's worn out his welcome
. This evening I tried the old soda-bottle trap, tossed in a few pieces of shrimp, took a nap and when I woke up found both him and my brittlestar hanging out in the trap (it was so easy, I almost felt guilty).
I don't know whether he is a smasher or a spearer, but I'll post some pics. He's a light reddish-brown with smaller spots and orangish legs (disclaimer: this description is from a color-blind person
). For size reference, the side of the cheapo aquarium that he is agains measures at 4.5 cm- I estimate he is about 7-8 cm or about 3" from "head to toe". If there are any mantis lovers willing to give him a good home, I will be at the SRC on Saturday and could bring him.
Thanks,
Frans
But....he has increased in size and I've been wanting to add some smaller invertebrates and fish so I recently decided that he's worn out his welcome
. This evening I tried the old soda-bottle trap, tossed in a few pieces of shrimp, took a nap and when I woke up found both him and my brittlestar hanging out in the trap (it was so easy, I almost felt guilty).I don't know whether he is a smasher or a spearer, but I'll post some pics. He's a light reddish-brown with smaller spots and orangish legs (disclaimer: this description is from a color-blind person
). For size reference, the side of the cheapo aquarium that he is agains measures at 4.5 cm- I estimate he is about 7-8 cm or about 3" from "head to toe". If there are any mantis lovers willing to give him a good home, I will be at the SRC on Saturday and could bring him. Thanks,
Frans
