Suggested Species for a small tank?

[Dave Legacy]

Hi,

I've been thinking about starting up a little mantis shrimp nano tank to sit at my computer desk. Thing are so many species of mantis shrimp, all vary in size, and being new to the idea of keeping them I was wondering if anyone could suggest a particular species for a tank ranging from 5.5G to 10G, maybe even up to 20G. Specifically a species that I might have a chance to find in southern california, maybe G. Smithii?

I'd like to keep a small tank if at all possible. I already have a 200/40/37 Gallon Brackish Tanks and the last thing I need is another big tank. I'd like to keep it at 10G or less, but again, I'm flexible.

Thanks in advance,
Dave Legacy

 

[30mini]

Try for a N. Wennera, G. Smithii, Graphorus, or Glaborus. Those may be what your looking for

 

[Thurge]

www.tampabaysaltwater.com
They sell N.wennera which would be perfect for a 10 gallon tank.
Mantis are not like fish. They are considered pests to the industry so nobody spends the time identifying them. TBS is the only place I now of that actually sells a specific species of mantis. Other than through them you will be ordering a mantis, thats it, as if you ordered just 'a fish'. You could end up with a small mantis or you could end up with a beast of a peacock mantis.

 

[Dave Legacy]

Thanks for the quick replies! I went on Roy's List of Stomatopods and did a little research of the species you two have suggested.

Of the appropriate canidates I believe I like G. smithii's appearance the best. I've also had one before, not voluntarily, and it was quite a character. However, G. graphurus and N. wennera are from habitats that I'm used to recreating.

The only thing that holds me back from N. wennera is it's red coloration, but it sounds like that will molt away in a shallow tank. Can't loose with getting exactly what you ordered either.

Do I need to count out a 5.5G Tank all together?

Thanks for the excellent advice!
- Dave

 

[DaddyJax]

My understanding is that smithis get big. I loved my Haptosquilla. They stay small.

 

[Agu]

I have an n wennerae here

It's the middle half of a 10 gallon sump so I'd say yes it can be housed in a 5.5.

Mine came red from TBS and has stayed that color fwiw.

 

[Dave Legacy]

I think I have decided on a custom glass 15.5 (30Lx12.5Wx10H) so that probably broadens my options a bit. N. wennerae and G. smithii are my top choices. I may just setup my tank, cure some LR and see if I get my mantis shrimp that way. =)

 

[liverock]

Hes alive?

Hes alive?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7764867#post7764867 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Agu
I have an n wennerae here

It's the middle half of a 10 gallon sump so I'd say yes it can be housed in a 5.5.

Mine came red from TBS and has stayed that color fwiw.

That was like ....years ago you got that shrimp, you are doing well to keep him kicking that long!

TBS

 

[Agu]

Same mantis .

That pic is over 2.5 years old and I had him a few months before the pic was taken.

Thanks ...........