New Top Predator, not a Mantis

styndall

New member
I've finally found the top predator in my pico tank. It's a Eunicid worm, at least four inches long and thick as pen. Two of my hermit crabs had died, and I hadn't any idea what had gotten them until I saw this worm pull out of his rock and grab a huge block of frozen mysis.

The question I have goes as follows:

If I manage to get hold of a small mantis, an N. Wennerae or the like, would it eat the Eunicid? I'd like to get rid of the worm, and I've been thinking about a mantis for a while. On the other hand, my tank is a bit small to keep anything but a very small/young specimen.

I'd really like to have a tank predator that won't munch on my lovely zoas.
 
I have kept a Oerstedii with a large (Bobbit) Eunicid worm for some time now . She doesn't seem intrested in it at all. It might be to large for her but I agree with DanInSd , I don't think they are normal mantis fare. She would much rather crack some shells.:D
 
From what little I know about Eunicid worms, the mantis will probably not eat the worm, but the worm could decide to try and taste the mantis.
The worm is not something I would attempt to keep, because they can reach a pretty impressive length. It might be the kind of unusual predator that a local aquarium might be intrested in. While most aquariums have way more offers to donate Green Moray's, Nurse Sharks etc. than they could possibly hope to house, from hobbiests that can't house them themselves, this might warrent a call. Its just unusual enough they may be interested for a species display.
 
That would be an intresting display. Sadly mine is a smaller fiji sp.
he is about 7 " long but doesn't come out to often. It is some what entertaining to watch though. I do get some of the larger sp. of eunicid worms in rock shipments from time to time but I don't try to house them . The larger sp. like you said need seperate housing . I might pluck mine the next time he peeks out it is mildly disturbing with my mantis. I have a very large pod culture in that tank so that probably holds him over. I hope.
 
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