Mantis for a 3 gallon?

[Lizard333]

I am currently only allowed but my wife to have Nano tanks and was wondering if there was a Mantis that I could have in a tank of this size without being cruel? It would just be the Mantis, and nothing else. Any suggestions, or is this just not a good idea??:rollface:

 

[Thurge]

There are many species of Mantis that would go into a 3 gallon tank. The harder question is how to find them. The only "easy to find" species are Peacocks and N.wennera. Reason being the N.wennera can be reliably purchased from Tampabaysaltwater.com bacause that is about the oly species they get in. Peacocks are pretty easliy identified. As for the rest they are all mixed in the grab bag of "mantis for sale" because they are considered nusiance species and as such there isn't enough demand for wholesalers to spend the time IDing them when they have truckloads of fish to ID that will make a higher profit.

If you could go to a 10 gallon then the N.wennrea would be a good choice for you and still meet the wife's "nano" tank requirement. And if you are really adventurious a tank 18x24x10 is 18 gallons and just about big enough for a Peacock. But you wold have to build that one yourself.

 

[justinl]

thurge got it. however 5 gallons is the minimum for adult N. wennerae.

i like suggesting N. wennerae as the ultimate first mantis because it is sturdy as a rock and real easy to care for. plus they're generally quite interactive. but mostly, just because theyre very readily available which saves a ton of headaches just locating a particular mantis species.

besides adult N. wennerae are semi-reef safe! peacocks... not so much.

 

[Raibaru]

How expensive is tampabay? Their website is incredibly confusing to order from and I can't find a price list anywhere.

 

[Thurge]

http://www.tampabaysaltwater.com/ordering/pricelist.html

Bottom of column 1. $50 shipped to your door.