On the lookout for Hemisquilla californiensis

[Gonodactylus]

Every year off the southern California coast Hemisquilla californiensis breed in April and early May. Often during this time trawlers pick up large numbers of males who are out and about looking for females. The past three years, these large stomatopods (10-12 inches) have shown up for sale live at Ranch 99's. We need several for physiological experiements and this is a good source. Unfortunately, they don't always make it up to Berkeley for sale, so if you happen to see some for sale, would you please email me. Thanks.

Roy

 

[Uriel]

Ranch 99...isn't that an asian foodmart!?!



As you may remember from emails last year, I love this species, though you told me that they are very difficult to keep in aquaria. I have heard that this place might be a good source of snails, so if I spot any, I will message you.


-Ron
PS:If I spot several,I may try and get oen for myself anyways, but I would forward the info to you as a priority, of course. I wonder if 40 gallons would be a goos size for one...

 

[Gonodactylus]

Yes, Ranch 99 is an Asian food chain. They sell all sorts of live sea food and last year had dozens of live Hemisquilla for around $10 a pound.

I would not recommend trying to keep them unless you have a chiller capable of maintaining a 40 gallon cold water tank at below 18 C. They normally live in water that is 16-18. Also, these traweled animals tend to be very beat up and quickly develop a fungus disease that usually does them in after a few weeks. It is painful to literally watch them rot away.

Roy

 

[Uriel]

I just got home from work (Nightclub, remember...).

I think I will pass, as just seeing them in a food tank would depress me to the point that I would probably do/say something stupid enough to get me into trouble.

Perhaps I will just go to Catalina and catch them on a dive once I get myre-cert (I haven't been diving since 1990...).


-Ron

 

[sharkdude]

I work with some seafood dealers in San Pedro, but I have never seen them offered for sale. Maybe local trawlers sell direct to middle men who re-sell to retailers?
I'll keep my eye open as there are lots of asian food markets in my town.

got a pic so I know what I'm looking for?

 

[Gonodactylus]

Have you seen one in Southern California

Have you seen one in Southern California

It is that time of year again and Hemisquilla californiensis males start cruising for females. Usually in April males are out of their burrows and are caught by commercial trawls off Southern California. Some show up in asian food markets - particularly Ranch 99.

We need these animals for our research, so if you see any, could you please let me know. Or if you are a diver or fisherman and catch any live, I would appreciate the chance to buy them from you. Thanks.

I have posted this before, but in case you forgot what they look like, here is a photo. The standard male would be about 11-12 inches long.



Roy

 

[krazeekiddie]

Wow, that is a really stunning animal!!!

 

[coralnub]

looks tasty

 

[Altpers0na]

these darn things... the neater they are the more trouble they are...

the L mac's dont leave their holes... the peacocks break fingers and tanks..

smithies stab you and mind get you an amputation.. the californiensis has fungus issues... ...

when will you find a nice, herbiverous one, that is reef safe , looks really cool and dosnt get shell rot or fungus..

is that asking to much?

 

[Agu]

Roy,

It would be perfectly fine for you to post this request in some of the California forums. The SoCal Forum is very active and you'll get a lot more exposure for this request.

Good Luck ...........

 

[raman781]

Roy

I will check out the Ranch99 by my house and let you know.
They alway have exotic sea creatures at that store.
The only problem would be getting one that isn't half dead.

 

[Tylt33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12167506#post12167506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Altpers0na
these darn things... the neater they are the more trouble they are...

the L mac's dont leave their holes... the peacocks break fingers and tanks..

smithies stab you and mind get you an amputation.. the californiensis has fungus issues... ...

when will you find a nice, herbiverous one, that is reef safe , looks really cool and dosnt get shell rot or fungus..

is that asking to much?

Might as well add "Will clean the house and cook" to the list of desirable traits :lol:

 

[Crawling68]

I'll keep an eye out in my area, and i know you can make it here quick.

 

[coralnub]

there were none at the 99 Ranch in El Cerrito, in case you didn't already check

 

[Gonodactylus]

It is rare that they make it as far north as El Cerrito. We have only seen them there twice. Usually that are only found live in the LA area.

Thanks for checking.

Roy

 

[Kinetic]

well, I go into that Ranch99 almost every other day (El Cerrito), if I ever see one I'll let you know.

 

[Gonodactylus]

I would really appreciate it. I generally only go every week or so to by smelt to feed our stomatopods.

Roy

 

[abrahamcho]

Hi Dr. ROy I live really close to a ranch 99 store and I think I saw some mantis shrimp there. Well they were brown and dead and long. Not like your picture. I am going again this friday so if you want me take pictures I will and send them to you ASAP.