Mantis Shrimp spotting - Need help!!!

[vortex6]

I think I just found out why I've been losing my smaller fish. I just saw a Mantis Shrimp popping out of a piece of rock. Looked to be pretty big. It must have hitchhiked on some rock I put in about a month ago. I only have 1 small fish left after my power outage but I just assume he doesn't end up a meal.

Does anyone have a trap I could borrow for a few weeks or know how to make one? Also, does anyone want him once I get him out? Some people like them as pets. Thanks!

 

[aquaconnect]

Best bet is to locate the rock he is in, remove the rock, put it in a bucket ( and by bucket, I mean dry w/no water in it) and either wait for him to drop out, or smash him in his hole w/a screw driver. I would get him out asap before he breaks the glass of your tank!

 

[joelk835]

Unfortunately I do not have a trap but ff you do get it out I would be interested in the mantis shrimp. I have an empty 10 gallon tank I could put him in from what I hear they are interesting specimens.

 

[aquaconnect]

Fewells has one up at the shop he got in last night. They are cool.

 

[vortex6]

joelk835, he's yours once I get him out. I think I know how I'm going to get him out. I actually got him out of his hole the other night by using some tongs to hold some shrimp near by. He latched on to it and I was able to pull him out of his hole, but he let go shortly after. The next time I try I will have a net handy to scoop him up. He looks to be about 2" long.

 

[vortex6]

I caught that little sucker! I was just sitting there watching my fish when I saw him down on the substrate under a rock. He was stalking one of my snails. He snagged him and began to beat the snot out of him so I hastily went for my tongs to save the snail. I don't think I've ever dug through my under tank storage that fast in my life. I poked at the shrimp to make him let go. He retreated for just a sec then came back to try to finish off that snail. I guess that sucker was really hungry. I just positioned the tongs near the snail and as soon as he struck I grabbed him. I'll say this much. Mantis shrimp have a heck of a jolt with their pinchers or whatever makes that snapping sound. The entire tong was vibrating. It was almost scary moving it. It looks like the snail is going to be ok. I imagine he was just stunned.

joelk835, if you are still interested in the shrimp, I'll need to try and meet up with you tomorrow if possible. I only have a 5 gallon bucket I'm keeping him in with a heater. Not sure how long he'll last in that. He is kinda neat but I don't have a small aquarium to put him in. I thought about the sump but I have some snails in there as well. I've sent you a private message too in case you miss this.

 

[fewells]

If joel does not want it anymore I'll take it.