Mantis shrimp?

[eburgiss]

My son wanted into the hobby so I buy him a used 72 bowfront setup. We place cured LR in the tank and wait to make sure the water is OK.

The first fish he puts in is a McCosker's Wrasse. Two days later he is spotted without his tail. He dies.

Would this be the work of a Mantis? If so, how can I find which rock he may be hiding in? I am relatively new to the hobby and haven't had this experience.

 

[Guygettnby]

i would highly doubt that a mantis would be the cause of death but it is always possible. listen for clicking sounds around feeding time and mostly just keep an eye out. but if it is a spearer it most likely will be in the substrate and will not make clicking sounds.

how big was the fish?

 

[eburgiss]

It was 2". Would I be able to see it burrow into the substrate either from the bottom of the tank or see a burrow next to a rock?

 

[justinl]

i would very highly doubt you have a spearer mantis. they just dont tend to hitch in. Do you have snails/crabs/hermits in the tank? have you seen any smashed shells in the tank? have you heard any clicking coming from the tank?

 

[eburgiss]

Yes, we have put snails and hermits in the tank. As of yet, I haven't seen any smashed shells. I have seen hermit crab legs in the bottom of the tank. We have not heard clicking as of yet.