Help! My arms fell off and I can get smash my clams!

[gaznsun]

Any mantis shrimp experts?

I have a 4" red mantis smasher in a 6 gallon Eclipse tank. I've been feeding him 2-3 calms a week from Ranch 99. He just molted for the 2nd time in the last 6 months. This time, his smashers are gone. I don't remember from the last time if his smashers took awhile to grow back. Can someone tell me if this is normal and how long will it take for it to grow back?

Also, its interesting that he stops eating right before he molts. Is it because his smashers are getting ready to fall off?

One more thing, what the idea temp for a mantis shrimp? I have a heater in there, but I'm affraid he'll break it one day.

Thanks in advance!

 

[isildursbane]

Unlike you, I had the distinct pleasure of removing 3 mantis shrimp from my 90. However, I did a little research to learn more about my sworn enemy, and this really paid off.

First of all, the smasher appendages were probably ripped off during the molt. Arthropods must molt their exoskeletons in order to grow.

As the procedure sounds, it is extremely taxing for the creature, and I think it is amazing that they survive. It happens occasionally that certain appendages will be damaged during a molt, and if the creature is lucky, it will shed them and then regrow them during the next molt. Another sad possiblilty is that the creature will not be able to extricate itself from the old skeleton, and will expire from the process.

It usually takes several molts to fully re-grow legs and claws.
Arthropods fast before a molt just because they are getting ready for the molt, not because of appendages falling off.

Temperature ranges should be matched to their place of origin, I would say in a range of 76 to 80 for a mantis only tank.

Try these websites for some great information.

http://www.blueboard.com/mantis

http://saltaquarium.about.com/libra...y/aa110498c.htm


In summary, Mantis shrimp are extremely hardy creatures, and yours will most likely recover if you can find something it can eat that is already smashed.

Hope this helps,

Philip :rollface:

 

[jjcarr]

Alternative Food

Alternative Food

I'd feed him Ghost shrimp until his smashers heal. They are small enough that he can take them without his smashers.

James

 

[Alex]

I had one do the same thing once. They rip there own claws off. A lot of inverts like crabs and shrimp do this as well. I could be that they are worn or out injured. Also if they are not using the they will remove them and then eat them.

I can also be due to temperature or water quality problems.

I think it can take up to 3-4 molts before they are fully regrown.

Alex