Got my TBS Rock

[Trandall]

Hope someone is around that can help. some of this rock is so covered that I can't tell which side is up? The other rock I've had in the past was pretty much dead base rock so it didn't matter what side I put up or down.
Any sure fire way to tell for sure when there seems to be life and critters all around a piece?

Also...what are the tiny clear shrimp? Good or bad? All you can really make out is thier eyes and intestinal tract. Those aren't mantis are they? Aren't the matis colored?
I've got a bowl of them sitting here that i shook out of my rock along with a couple gorilla crabs, etc.
Help! And thanks!

 

[tektite]

I just took a guess as to which side was up ended up deciding which side was better looking and put that one up. It is hard to tell with some of them. The tiny clear shrimp may be mysis, but that's just a guess.

 

[shadowbearwv]

The shrimp I had in my first package that was a hitchhiker and clear seemed to be a camal<sp>back shrimp. He just seemed to like to clean my yellow ball sponge of ditrus. Haven't seen him in a while though.

As for top and bottom, the top seems to be dirtier or have more sand on it. Also check for a side not covered in barnicals.

SB

 

[noahm]

If its got one big claw, then its pistol shrimp--harmless, but can be noisy. Usually they are pretty transparent. Pics would tell.

 

[Trandall]

Sorry I haven't posted more and no, still no pictures as i've been busy and haven't yet set up a photobucket account.
The shrimp were pistol shrimp. My rock is beautiful! lots of cool stuff. Love exploring it.

I do have 1 < at least> pretty good sized Mantis. Been listening to him pop and click! then, he came running out and looked at me and ran back under the rock.
Would love to get him out and give him to a fellow reefer here that is also a teacher of biology at our high school.

Anyone have a method they like for capturing my Mantis?