Hardy Mantis Shrimp

[J2FcM]

Just looking for a general discussion, or group consensus so I can help to narrow down exactly how hardy Mantis Shrimp can be... variation in their hardiness (any extremely hardy vs tempermental shrimp) & of course any Mantis Shrimp "bane" (copper).

So,
I'm fairly certain copper in any dose, accidental or not is VERY bad for lil Stomatopods.

What about on the basic ammonia, nitrite, and most important to me, nitrate scale. (I dont have ammonia or nitrite).

Of course 0ppm for everything would be nice, but does the Mantis really give a crap if nitrates are 0, 20, or 40ppm?

 

[VacavilleFC3S]

ammonia is probably a death sentence also.

nitrates don't seem to be a problem mine are between 10-20ppm

nitrites ????

I hate having to rely on the good Doctor so much, but i really hope he'll chime in here.

 

[black_majik]

Depends on mantis's I believe the G. Graphurus live near the coasts so I would imagine they can handle polluted water, others I'm sure need prestine water but the Doc is a better guy to ask.

 

[Gonodactylus]

You can get a good idea about how hardy a stomatopod is by where it is found. Lysiosquillina maculata, for example, are often found in anoxic mud in the low intertidal. They can take foul water conditions and low oxygen. On the other hand, Odontodactylus brevirostris or O. latirostris are found in "clean" area at depth with moderate to strong current. They require pristine water with high oxygen levels.

As for pollutants, heavy metals including copper are bad as are organic solvents and insecticides.

I've tried to give some guidelines as to ease of care on Roy's List.

Roy