Oh my god! Oh my god!

[Ms. K]

I entered my classroom this morning to find my Mantis tank absolutely freezing. The heater failed some time this weekend. I don't know how long it's been cold or how cold it is. My mantis is in his burrow, moving very slowly! I've reset the heater and turned the light on a bit early, trying to raise the temp slowly without adding even more stress. I think I may still lose him though. I'm freaking out here. Any ideas? What should I do?

Alicia

 

[Lincutis]

you are doing exactly what you should. now wait and see.

 

[Gonodactylus]

Usually recovery from temperature stress occurs within a few hours, or not at all. Watch to see if the raptorial appendages are extended. The most common non-lethal injure from stress (hot, cold, salinity, low oxygen, organic solvents, etc.) is a failure of the raptorial appendages that causes them to permenantly exptend. If this happens, the animals usually lose the appendages and often die after a day or two.

Don't feed or disturb the animal for a day or two. This only adds to the stress. Good luck.

Roy

 

[Ms. K]

Thanks Dr. Roy. He's inside his burrow and I can't really see him very well. He'd been inside his burrow for a few days (antisocial lately) before the temp drop. I haven't disturbed him. The tempis up to 74 now and still rising. I'll give him a couple of days.

Thanks again,
Alicia

 

[Ms. K]

I just peeked at him and saw him looking at me from his burrow. He was responsive. He moved away when I approached the tank. He was close to the glass so I don't think his appendages were extended. Close call. I'll watch him closely over the next few days.

 

[Ruu]

I had my live rock shipped in December, and by the time it got to Philly it was cold. It's not ideal, but they can survive the cold.

Dave

 

[overflowin]

maybe a backup heater is in order...couldn't hurt...

donnie