Need a Mantis Shrimp Trap

[Augy]

Does anyone in the Des Moines area have a trap for catching a mantis shrimp? I like to either buy or borrow it if possible.

I'm not 100% certain I have a mantis but I've lost several shrimp, a pair of emerald crabs, and a host of snails. The snail shells are mostly in one area of the tank. My wife says she "thought she maybe" heard a clicking sound but she isn't sure...I've never heard anything nor have I seen him. It's just that with so many crustaceans and inverts meeting their doom in this "bermuda triangle" of the tank, it looks like a homicide.

Has anyone used one of these Xterminator traps or similar? Do they work?

Since I've never seen him, I obviously don't know where exactly he would reside. Based on where the deaths occured, the most likely rock he would hiding in is a huge rock and the basis of that entire side of the rock work...so it isn't a very viable option to remove the rock and submit it to freshwater or hyper-saline treatment.

 

[phishcrazee]

Try this link:

http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/pest.htm

they sound like they're very smart and can learn how to avoid a trap, good luck catching him, if you do have one. Maybe somebody would want it when/if you do catch it?

http://grimreefers.com

Did you know there was a whole forum on these under this site under predatory marine creatures?

 

[Augy]

Well, I just spent an hour searching in vain for any sign of one. I don't know whether I have one or not but I cleaned up the graveyard of empty shells and will see if it gets repopulated. I'm hoping (obviously) that I don't have one

Thanks for the links, I've been reading the blueboard pages with interest but it hasn't led me any closer to a conclusion. Guess I'll find out soon enough...

If I have one and manage to catch him, I'll find a home for 'em somewhere.

 

[cabenn]

If you had a mantis shrimp, you would know it. I would turn the lights off at night get a flashlight or moonlights and see if you can see a predator running around. It could be a hitch hiker crab of some sort.

mantis shrimp can make some nasty snapping sounds that almost sound like your entire tank has cracked

 

[tibbs2]

Try embedding a shotglass into your sandbed with the lip level with the sand. Put a piece of shrimp or meaty food in the bottom. If the crab crawls inside the glass to retreive it he won't be able to climb back out.

 

[Augy]

I've never heard any sort of popping noise (or any other abnormal noise) coming from the tank. I've sat and watch the tank under neon blue "moon lights" and also with a red flashlight. I've yet to see a hint on anything even out of the corner of my eye.

The only thing I have that makes me even suspect a possible mantis is that there were probably a dozen empty shells all in pretty much the same area of the tank. That and I've lost 2 emerald crags, a cleaner shrimp, and 2 peppermint shrimp. Also, 2 fairly large conchs (2").

The shot glass idea sounds interesting but I'm sure whatever goes into it would just climb the backs of the dozen hermits who would have filled it full

My calcium is kind of low so that may explain the emeralds and shrimp deaths. I'm going to try to raise to above 400 and see if that helps.

Thanks for the ideas...keep 'em coming

 

[got2lb]

Are the snail shells just empty? Or are they smashed?

I know there are 2 dif. types of mantis, spearers and smashers. If you have a smasher the shells will be crushed.

 

[FlyGTI]

I feel like embedding the contents of a shot glass into my stomach right about now. Is that bad, given that it's only 10:30 AM?

 

[cabenn]

hmm all in the same area should be easy to track down you would think :>

 

[flyingace2005]

Mantis Shrimp are extremely inteligent. Given that if that is what it actally is, and that it has eaten that many in such a short period of time, it is probably pretty good sized. If it is less than 1" the shot glass might work otherwise it wont. They also can swim just like a shrimp so it could still get out.

 

[Augy]

I really think if I had anything capable of going homicidal on 2-3" conchs, lots of small snails, and cleaner and peppermint shrimp I would have see it.

I'm leaning toward a problem with water chemistry but keeping my eyes open (literally) for a predator.

I haven't heard any popping noises and the shells all appear to be intact...

 

[tibbs2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7205891#post7205891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FlyGTI
I feel like embedding the contents of a shot glass into my stomach right about now. Is that bad, given that it's only 10:30 AM?

No, not bad at all. I think a nice tall beer for lunch on a patio somewhere sounds just about right for me.

It's a shame I use my shotglasses now more for fish related things than for actually doing shots.

 

[Augy]

You guys are making me thirsty....