Small Mantis

[LobsterOfJustice]

Hello,

I may be interested in keeping a small mantis in a nano (10g or under), are there any species I should look into? If so where can I get them?

 

[rogerwells]

www.saltwaterfish.com has a peacock mantis for sale

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

What is their maximum size/minimum tank size?

 

[rogerwells]

well i think most people on this site recommend a 10 or 20 gallon tank but you can keep them in smaller tanks...i would think a smaller tank would be cooler because you are more likely to see the mantis whereas in a big tank he might make his "home" somwhere hidden from veiw because there is more room to move around....but maybe the experts here will have some better knowledge for you

 

[GovtCheese]

I've heard that they can get quite big... mmmmm, sounds like good eating!:beer:

 

[rogerwells]

how come you say sounds like good eating in every post?

 

[rwhhunt]

I keep my peacock mantis in a 26 gal BF with a damsel, starfish, urchin, snails and hermit crabs, I occasionally hear him beating away at the crabs at night. The peacocks get around 6 inches, a 10 would be an absolute minimum for long term housing... However, TBSaltwater will send you a Wennera which would be perfect size for a <10 gl for $50 shipped.
Wennera:

My peacock, Boris:

 

[rwhhunt]

by the way, Wenneras come in a large variety of different colors, Ive even heard of bright red ones!...

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

It looks like that's my best choice so far. I have a spare 10 gallon, 2.5 gallon, and 1.5 gallon. Is the 2.5 pushing it?

 

[rwhhunt]

for the wennera, th 2.5 would be close, a 10 would be more comfortable... BUT i have heard of many people putting wenneras in 2.5 systems..