Mantis and Toby?

[Shekki]

My fish are moving out of a 24 Gallon nanocube into a 50 gallon tank. I want to put a mantis in the nano and would like somethin else swimming around. Would a little toby survive? Would the Toby try to eat the mantis?

Robb

 

[Captain Amazing]

So... I don't know if I'm the only one thinking this, but...whats a Toby?

 

[miztic]

I assumed it was a typo and is supposed to spell "Goby" ?

if thats what it is, i'd be more worried about the goby becoming lunch.. I'm thinking of putting a damsel in with mine.. just to get people off my back about 'where's the shrimp?' lol

 

[caynus]

Toby

Toby

I dont think it was a typo, they meant toby. Tobies are just another name for pufferfish, specifically smaller pufferfish from genera like Canthigaster.

As for the mantis question, i'd be more worried about the mantis having a go at the toby than vice versa. Although they are unedible due to the poisonous flesh i dont think the mantis will likely take that into account, especially if its a large smasher or an agressive species of spearer. So really i'd be worried about several things, firstly, A) the mantis shrimp killing but not eating the toby, B) killing AND eating the toby and therefore poisoning itself, or C) The possibility that the toby will in fact harm the mantis shrimp.

I personally think theres just too many factors to take into account and too many things that can go wrong for you to be able to sleep peacefully at night.

Hope this helped.
Caynus

 

[Shekki]

Thanks caynus. I thought Tobies were well known. I do know enough NOT to put a goby in there!

Robb

 

[ShiftNation]

I doubt the toby would go after the mantis . Its mouth isnt made for that type of prey . But I do agree a large smasher or spearer might be a problem . I think in a 15 gal. or more with a smaller well fed smasher you could pull it off . But sometimes theyll just got at the fish for practice or fun .