Noob Mantis Question

[jakaufman]

Hey Mantis Forum!

I have been reading about these hitchhikers that come on live rock which everyone seems to complain about.. but then I find this forum where everyone seems to want more and more..

what is the appeal / and on the other side, why do people want to get rid of them so bad? do they attack fish in the tank?

sorry for the basic question but im new to the saltwater scene

 

[psychodave]

People want them so bad because they have alot of personality. Either that or they just want a brutal killing machine...either way, they are quite amusing to watch. They are magnificant creatures! I have 2, but there are others around here who have quite a few more.

As far as them attacking fish, tipically the spearers go for fish and the bashers go for gastropods...snails and hermits and what not. But bottom dwelling fish, dragonettes and such, are at risk with either type.

 

[TellyFish]

Perhaps they are freakin' AMAZING looking?

Also, they are pretty smart too?

Really, when you add it up- a stomatopod really has the full package. Looks AND brains, how could you pass?

The force from some species attack approaches that of a 22 caliber bullet, and is capable of breaking double layered safety glass. They may be, weight for weight, the most formidable animals alive... so, yes. It may eat stuff in your reef tank.

 

[Captain Amazing]

"The force from some species attack approaches that of a 22 caliber bullet, and is capable of breaking double layered safety glass. They may be, weight for weight, the most formidable animals alive"

So that sounds very similar to "The lurkers guide to Stomatopods" Plus, that refers to only the larger species. The Mantis Shrimp that are usually found hitch hiking in live rock have no chance of breaking glass. They do kill/eat clean up crews though.

Read about Tim the supermantis's adventures in this forum. Densityman's thread got me interested in mantis shrimp.

 

[TellyFish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7642604#post7642604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Captain Amazing
"So that sounds very similar to "The lurkers guide to Stomatopods"

Thats where I got the quote from... you want a cookie?

Good site for info on stomatopods. I prob. should have put the link up originally.... http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/