questions

[coreywinter]

i was looking into getting a mantis and found one at my lfs, he called it a lime green smasher. just wondering if anyone can tell me anything about them and what kind of care they need. until then i will be researching on my own. thanks

 

[Ms. K]

Well, if you can determine what species it is by looking at Dr. Roy's species identification list, or by taking pics and posting them here for ID, we could give you more info.

 

[Ms. K]

Since it is a smasher, you'll definitely need a 2-3" sandbed, some live rock and LR rubble for burrow construction. A piece of PVC pipe might work well as a burrow. A smasher will eat snails, crabs, etc., but you would want to feed it mostly thawed shrimp, scallops, krill, silversides, etc. with the occasional live food offering to work its raptorial appendages (smashers).

To give advice about lighting or tank size, we'll need to ID the creature. Good luck with your decision. Make sure you do plenty of research before buying.

 

[mattyice]

it might not need a sand bed, it could be a species that just loves beating its burrow into a rock

 

[coreywinter]

i can't look it up on dr. roys list because i haven't seen it myself, i just talked to the lfs on the phone, so i may have to get a pic tomorrow and look it up