I am pretty sure I have a Mantis in my display tank...

[ratherbediving]

I actually saw the head of the bugger the other day. The tank has been up for a year and a half now, and that was the first time I had seen him. I had heard some clicking noises in the past, but hadn't thought too much of it. I actually broke my tank down completely to move the tank to my in laws house a few months ago (we are trying to relocate) and never saw him, even handling all the rocks individually. I wasn't even using gloves!

I'd like to figure out how much of a risk this guy is before I start to panic too much. I think this guy is one of the Florida species of mantis shrimp, he must have hitchhiked on my aquacultured rock. I haven't seen any cerith snail shells lying around, but I think that is what he has been feeding on. I also mysteriously lost my bicolor blennie and while I am tempted to blame him, my yellow watchman goby is still with me.

I don't mind too much if I have to replace some snails once in awhile. And I know that smashers aren't really that notorious for getting fish.

I am probably going to try a bottle trap to get this guy out, but he has been so reclusive, I am not too hopeful. How worried about catching him should I be? Also-- any tips on the best time to lay the trap?

Thanks--
Mike

 

[30mini]

Lay the trap whenever you want. If you have something in there he likes, he'll be out to get it! I used to feed my N. Wennera Silversides... he absolutley loved them!!! Try that or krill

 

[mandrin13]

Weird,my tank has been set up a year and my gold head sleeper goby had a puncture wound going right through him about 2 weeks ago.The goby died so i have put mantis traps out.