Odontodactylus japon? ID Dr. Roy

[Retzius]

I just got this guy today for $20 at a LFS and am impressed with the color pattern, yoo hoo! I havent seen one like this yet. I was told its species name is Odontodactylus japon just want to confirm with you guys (Dr. Roy) if its true. Also, some info. about it would be nice to know. Its a fluorescent green with white markings all around. Its got two orange spots as the pics will show and is 4" long and 1" wide. It already ate a hermit crab!

orange spots near tail

 

[T-T-Trigger]

Gonodactylus platysoma

 

[Gonodactylus]

I'm afraid T-T-Trigger is right. It is a female Gonodactylus platysoma. Based on what look like developed sternal cement glands, she is probably reproductive. The orange spots on the 8th thoracic and 5th abdomenal segments are diagnostic. This is an extremely common reef flat species found throughout the Indo-Pacific.

I'm not sure where the guys who sold it to you came up with Odontodactylus japonicus, but they aren't even close. O.j is a deeper water (30- 85 m) species that is rarely collected alive. THey do show up in shrimp trawls from northern Australia and Japan. I've been trying to collect live specimens for years, If anyone ever does get one, please contact me. There are some color characteristics of this species that I would like to confirm.

Overall, O. japonicus is salmon colored and the antennal scales are pink. The uropods are yellow with orange and blue edges and red setae. This species gets as large as O. scyllarus. The largest male recorded was almost 18 cm.

Roy

 

[Tballa]

NIce Platysoma!!! Hopefully he comes out more than some other people's platy's. I personally think yours looks better than a peacock. Nice find!

 

[netjackson]

Hey Retzius, colors look great. What kind of lighting is she under?

Rob

 

[Retzius]

Thanks for responding Dr. Roy and TTT-Triger. Yeah, I dont think the guy wrote the correct name at my LFS and he got it from some classification book.

Based on what look like developed sternal cement glands, she is probably reproductive. The orange spots on the 8th thoracic and 5th abdomenal segments are diagnostic

Uhmm, could you explain what you mean by diagnostic and if I add a male is it possible it will mate? How do I distinguish a male? Thanks.

Tballa,

Thanks glad you like it. He did come out yesterday when I added it. It doesnt appear to be shy or hide.

 

[Retzius]

Thanks netjackson, lighting is a normal flourscent light. I am not sure on the lighting wattage.

 

[Gonodactylus]

All G.p, males and females, have the orange spots even though the background color may vary from dark olive to cream. The antennules are reddish orange and the antennal scales green with white spots.


Males can only be identified by their genitalia. This species has mate-guarding, so females typically only mate when they are receptive. This increases the probability of aggression if you try to keep two together.

Roy

 

[Retzius]

Thanks for clairfying things for me Dr. Roy. I dont think I will be looking to mate it any time soon. Dont want to risk loosing it to a fight.

-Retzius

 

[goblinsharkman]

Wow, that mantis is beautiful, great camoflague. Is there a book about mantis shrimp or how to classify them?

 

[Tballa]

yah, I was wondering if there were in books about mantises or stomatopods specifically. If not, then Dr. Roy, I think you need to do one!

 

[2.5gnanoreefer]

nice looking mantis!! love the colors. good luck with her

 

[StrongHandsMcGee]

Whoo-hoo! Somebody else with black sand in their mantis tank! Very nice looking mantis, btw.

 

[Inigma]

I think I have the same mantis and I have black sand also. The color of my mantis is a little less green though. Has almost an Army Camoflauge color thing going on. He has the same orange dots though.

 

[Retzius]

Thanks for all the compliments guys, much appreciated. As far as books go I too would like to know where I can find one. I bet Dr. Roy will make one in the future but he is probably trying to gather every species information before he releases it. And that can take a long time.

As for the black sand, I thought it would be nice and the colors would stand out alot more with it. I didnt know other people had already used black sand. Since its the main attraction in the tank, I want it to look its best.

So far my mantis does not seem to be shy or hiding unlike others. I've seen her roam around the tank or stick her head out to see whose there. Last night I actually witnessed her beating a poor hermit to death and then eagerly devouring him. I must say it was very fun to watch.

 

[Gonodactylus]

I may do a book when I retire, but that is still a few years away.

We use black sand for species that normally are found on it. That includes O. scyllarus that frequently is found burrowing in black muck. Interestingly, G. platysoma usuually occurs on white sand although I have seen it on dark sandy substrates as well.

Roy

 

[sirhelm]

I definitley think you should do a book!!!

It would further advance people's knowledge and understanding of Mantis Shrimps!

They are truly facinating animals!!


SH