Mantis Shrimp give-away

[scolley]

A very small coral order arrived today. And in the rock an unexpected critter arrived too. The critter rapidly exited the coral's rock when I dipped it in water treated with Lugol's solution. For all the world it looks like a juvenile mantis shrimp, about 1" long.

It swims REALLY fast when it feels like it. Is translucent brown, with two black eye pods, and little swimming fins along the two ridges, where the carapace connects to the ventral plates. And I've got no skills at ID'ing shrimp. But it really looks like a small mantis to me.

If anyone wants it, it's free to the first person that comes to my place to get it. I gather some people actually keep these things. But it sure as heck ain't going into my tank. Or sump. So please PM me if interested.

I'll try to keep it alive for a day or so, assuming the dipping treatment and lack of slow acclimatization did not put it into a downward spiral already. As of this writing it's been alive and kicking for 6 hours post-Lugol's dip.

Let me know if interested.

 

[scolley]

Update - Shrimp's still fine. Got a much better look at 'em. It's possibly a little less than 1" long. And if this is not a mantis of some sort, then I'm a monkey's uncle.

 

[RTMA]

Pretty cool Steve. Hope you find a home for him. I've go no room for a mantis.

 

[scolley]

Thanks Joe. I've been trying to do a little mantis research, and am actually considering putting it in the tank. Problem is... It's still a juvie, and hard to say what it is. Some would be cool. Some not.

But it is SO cool looking that I'm thinkin' about setting up a little side "grow out" tank to my nano, and seeing what it grows into. Could be fun!

As an aside... as a relative newbie, I'm real hessitant to put ANY mantis in my show tank now. If anything died - as things have - the temptation would be to blame it on the shrimp, instead of recognizing it as the learning experience that all (not many actually) of my tank deaths have been.

 

[RTMA]

I'd advise to not place that in your display. If he does become aggressive, you will pull your hair out trying to get him out.

A side grow out would be feasible, however at his small size, I do not know what would be the likelihood that he escapes into the display.

 

[Neublian]

If you decide not to keep it and are close enough to Naugatuck, I'll come get him.

B

 

[scolley]

If you decide not to keep it and are close enough to Naugatuck, I'll come get him.

B

I'd rather not keep it. I mean it IS definately cool. Too cool to flush.

But keeping it would be a hassle, so you're most welcome to it if you want it. At present it's quite happily trying to hide itself in the piece of rock rubble I tossed in the cup I'm keeping it in. Swims vigorously if disturbed.

Since yesterday I've read that these guys are very hardy, and I've got to agree. If this were a real shrimp, it would have been lond dead. But this little guy is one tough bug!

Naugatuck is about 30 minutes away from my house in Westport. Would love to give this little guy a good home. So send me a PM if still interested.

 

[scolley]

The Little Mantis got a home!

Neublian came by today to get him. So excited for the little guy (gal?) to get a good home. Met another very nice reefer (and "friend") in the process... always a good thing!

Thanks for giving the little guy a home Neublian! Do let me know how he fares as he grows.

 

[Neublian]

Steve it was great meeting you and seeing your incredible tanks.

Without further ado, here's Bruce! (Banner not Willis)




I haven't seen him since he disappeared into the rock in his holding pen. I'll try to feed him tomorrow.

B

 

[scolley]

Hey, great pic! Thanks. Love the name too! :thumbsup:

I REALLY look forward to seeing how the little guy fairs. Also would love to know what KIND of mantis it is... now that it appears that my amateur ID of the critter was on target.




oh yea... thanks for the kind words on the tanks too.