Roy's List is here! Identification and care of stomatopods.

[mrotakki]

I used to keep a fairly small mantis in an old 20 gallon tank, but had to move a few years back. I ended up giving it away - but recently started back up and picked up a larger mantis from the local store.

So far it's taken a liking to the cave that it has adopted, and goes so far as to peer out and guard it unless someone walks by (at which point it ducks back in and peers out cautiously).

The store had no firm ID and I've IDed it rather haphazardly as a G. platysoma and was hoping I could get a more firm ID of the specimen. I've got a couple of photos here and here . I'll attempt some more photos relatively soon if these are insufficient for identification.

Any help would be fantastic! Currently I put in a "fresh" round of hermit crabs, astrea snails and a couple mithrax crabs once I notice most are "missing" or the telltale pile of debris and discarded shells outside the burrow gets fairly large. I've also been feeding the mantis freeze-dried krill every now and again by wedging pieces around the tank. They disappear after fifteen or so minutes, so I can only assume the mantis is taking them. If there's anything else you'd recommend, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks!

 

[Gonodactylus]

It is indeed a G. platysoma. The orange spot is key.

Roy

 

[gemini aquarius(t)]

ya somoney im pretty sure the 20L is for liters not gallons and tank dimensions

 

[BALISTIK]

thanks for the research and contributions Dr. Roy!

 

[dismalorb]

Hey Dr. Roy!

Do you plan on adding more species to the list of Stomatopods? I understand you've added ones that are most suited for the hobby, but for us nuts out there that want to see more...

Is there a book in the works regarding Stomatopods?

 

[soloweart]

platysoma

platysoma

hi i bought a platysoma a week ago. as of yet he hasn't touched the live crabs and snails i put in for him. he has taken a few pieces of freeze dried krill from me but didn't finish it.he also hasn't used his mallets once. is this variety just really peaceful? i also own a peacock and its like night and day. is he ok?

 

[BlakDuc]

Thanks for the list Roy, nice job.

 

[foofalak]

I've just found what I believe to be a mantis in my tank. Its a hitch-hiker and the rock is "indo". I've tried to ID it from Roy's list, and it is a similar green to G.Viridis, however it has a orange spot on its 'back'. Anyone know what it might be? I'm not fast enough to get a picture of the little guy.

 

[Gonodactylus]

Is the spot between the eyes or where on the back?

Roy

 

[foofalak]

The spot is behind the eyes, but before the tail starts. Its more oval than circle, and the orange is kind of 'milky'. I would also say its closer to the eyes than the tail.

 

[Gonodactylus]

Watch and see if the orange spot is still there next time you see the animal. What you describe sounds much like the appearance of the stomach through the carapace after a big meal.

Roy

 

[foofalak]

ok, will do. Thanks

 

[Scuba Dan]

Please help identify mantis shrimp.

Please help identify mantis shrimp.

Need a little help from the experts. Picked up this little guy today at the LFS. The guy at the shop has no idea what type of Mantis shrimp this is. He is a dark maroon color (whole body). He is about 2.5" long. I looked through the list of mantis shrimps, but did not find any that was as dark as the one I have. If possible, I would like to narrow the list down as much as I can to give him the proper care he needs. He are a couple pics. Not the best, but hope it helps to identify him/her.
Thanks....

 

[Gonodactylus]

Looks like N. wennerae to me.

Roy

 

[Scuba Dan]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[saveafish]

My wife has taken to the mantis shrimp and she wants one! I cant have anything else for my reef tank till she has hers! My question is for a beginner who wants to have other fish in the tank what type of mantis shrimp would you suggest?

 

[Gonodactylus]

Gonodactylus chiragra, smithii or platysoma usually leave large non-predator fish alone. The same is true of Neogonodactylids. While I don't recommend it, many people have kept fish with a 3 inch gonodactylid for years.

Roy

 

[saveafish]

Thank you for the info

 

[havre]

I have 1 armatus, 3 chromis and 1 salarias with my scyllarus and he doesnt even look at them funny. The mantis is about 17 centimeters.

Regards THomas

 

[saveafish]

Ok I have a couple questions about the peacock mantis ( which is the one my wife wants). If I get her a small one what is the smallest tank size I can get away with? Also would a lion fish be a possible co-habitant with it?