Hole in Mantis' Shell

[Dunshster]

My mantis has been hiding since I put him in the tank the other day and he finally came out. When he did I noticed he has a small hole in his shell and it seems to be splitting. Is this something that is wrong with him? Or is he about to molt? Thank you for the help.

 

[rlf_racing]

Looks like shell disease. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will be able to verify for sure what it is.

 

[Dunshster]

Damn, I was really hoping it wasn't that. I can see all the way through the shell, so I am assuming even if he decided to molt tomorrow it would be too late

 

[rlf_racing]

I would say your mantis will have a 50/50 chance of pulling thru if it molted. But I am no expert. I have a 4.5" male that had slight shell disease and just went thru his first molt with me a couple weeks ago. Now he doesn't show any signs of having it. Hopefully someone with more experience than me could give you a better answer.

 

[Tylt33]

Shell disease imo... I'd make sure your water quality is spot on, and reduce lighting if at all possible..

 

[Dunshster]

Water is 0 ammonia 0 nitrite 5 nitrate. I am only turning on the lights to feed him

 

[yankeereefer]

run only actinics for awhile - Give lot's of rubble for it to close up burrow - Feed fortified (selcon or similar) food. Leave him alone except for feeding. All of these will hopefully minimize stress and maybe stimulate a molt which is what you want right now. Hopefully it's not too late.

 

[justinl]

you could also increase feeding to every day, but be sure to remove uneaten food for water quality sake. is the hole surrounded by what ersembles decay? any black or infection? if it molts, do your best to remove the cuticle, but dont tear down the burrow to get at it... just remove it if it is accessible.

 

[Dunshster]

He has not created a burrow yet, he just stands under one of the rock structures I made, he has rubble a deep sand bed and a pvc that he hasnt touched. He wont touch the crabs or snails in the tank however he will eat frozen shrimp. Hopefully he can pull through, he is very cool!