Noob questions

[d9sccr]

So....I have a few questions...first of all, my mantis was I.D.-ed as a N. oerstedii, but today, I noticed that it has a white band around its meral spot. This is not listed under Roy's guide, however, the picture with the N. oerstedii has an appendage that has the same markings..just checking to make sure that it's the same one.

Also, I have noticed that the pics that people have posted have a piece of PVC tubing in them. I was wondering why this was. I do not have this, but my mantis has already dug a burrow for itself.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Pea-brain]

Some mantises need PVC because they burrow but they can only do it in mud. Mud can be bad for waterquality. Or maybe the mantis arrives with no raptorial appendages and can't make a hole in a rock. Or a big peacock needs alot of rock to burrow under and PVC is just more convenient.

 

[d9sccr]

okay..is it recommended for me to put some in my tank?

 

[Pea-brain]

not unless your mantis refuses to make it's own burrow in/under a suitable piece of rock.

 

[d9sccr]

okay..next question..how can I be sure that my mantis is eating? I have put a few hermits and snails in with him...I have heard the popping, but when I see the shells, they are unbroken...is there any chance that my mantis cannot break the shells open? It's a W. osteradi(sp?)..thanks

 

[Pea-brain]

just make sure they are thin shelled snails. A oerstedii can't take down a big turbo.

 

[d9sccr]

i have small ones, as well as small hermits for that reason

 

[Ab3]

What snails do you guys use specifically? How do you know if its soft shelled? Just so I know what to feed mine once I get it

 

[justinl]

small snails like nassarius. I got a G. smithii and he does great with them. I also use small hermits like blue legs.

it should be noted that if it doesn't have to, a mantis won't bother smashing through a shell. If the hermit is too big for its shell for example, a mantis can simply pull it out of the shell and eat it. doesn't happen too often though.

 

[Ab3]

What about nerite snails would they be able to get those?