peacock shrimp can't smash?

[Gonodactylus]

If you look at the first pictures you posted, you can see that one propodus is extended. That is the most serious injury because it suggests that the mechanism that stores and releases the energy for the strike is damaged. Repairing these structures usually requires major retooling. The other appendage only has the dactyl extended about 45 degrees from the propodus. Stomatopods extend this joint when spearing and at times when threatening, but rarely keep in an open position for very long. This was probably damaged during impact.

As for accelerated molting when both appendages are damaged, THurge is correct. We published a paper describing this years ago. However, in that study we completely removed the raptorial appendages (or control appendages). I don't know if loss of function produces the same effect. With severe damage, the animals usually tear off the offending appendage.

Roy

 

[Kigs]

Hey guys,

Some updates. First off, I finally found a good name for him. Following after a character of my current favorite TV show, I've decided to name him Dr.House. Dr. Gregory House because they are both... disabled, lol.

Second good news is that I've begun to hear him smash things again! I didn't give him any hard shelled food, so I guess he must be smashing the rockwork around? He also began to collect all the rubbles around the tank and created a fort, leaving one rubble in the front as a door. I'm hoping this is a sign of molting, but then again; he could be just redecorating.

Here is a picture of his tankmate. I've never realized how creepy these guys are until I got one. I'm reluctant to say that I'm almost looking forward to Dr.House eating him after he heals himself.

 

[n00b2SWF]

I've always wanted a peacock mantis but I don't have a luck to find one.
Anyways, hope Dr. House get well soon!!! Nice mantis!!

 

[Kigs]

My mantis sort of came to me through one of those impulse buys, lol. My LFS never ever carried mantis shrimps within the past 4 or 5 years, then suddenly they had two in stock. After reading Tim's thread, I thought it'd be neat to have one. Hopefully you can find one soon. When you do, share the picture with us!

This is really surprising. Dr.House's dactyls (both of them) seem completely fixed! He can both bend/unbend them, and I often hear cracking noises again. I really don't think he molted, since I've been seeing him everyday. Weird, huh?

I won't feed him anything to crack for the next few weeks, just to be cautious. But I really hope he eats that arrow crab soon. Reminds me of daddy longlegs. :worried2:

 

[psychodave]

right on! Glad to hear hes doing well!