Tank spec for Peacock

[MJI]

Hi all.

After catching a G Smithi from my reef, i've become hooked on these little monkeys. They're fascinating.

I'm looking to aquire an O. Scyllarus (spelling?) and want everyone to chip in on this thread to make it a good one.

I'd like to know ideal habitat and requirements for a Peacock.

I know they are a popular species to keep over there in the States, so ideally i'd like everyones experiences and findings (no matter how trivial) and lets make this a really good thread for others too.

Many many thanks in advance for your replies.

Best wishes,

 

[MJI]

No one keep peacocks??

 

[CodeToad]

Temporarily I have my 6 inch male peacock in a 6 gallon eclipse. This Tuesday he is moving into his new home, a DIY acrylic 20 gallon, it should be a dream home for him. I am using 26W of PC lighting, that should be plenty. I don't really know if this is the right or ideal habbitat, but it sounds good to me, good luck!

 

[MJI]

Thanks for this CodeToad.

 

[jd184]

Well,I have a seven inch peacock mantis and i had him in a 20 gallon hexegon tank with i found not to be a good idea.He started hitting the glass alot and i was becoming very worried that i would come home from work with a large mess on my hands so i got him a 55 gallon acrylic that he seems happy in but now i think its too big becouse now he rarely shows himself he just stays hidden in his burrow behing the live rock.

 

[MJI]

I'm sure that there must be others out there that keep O.S too.

Come on, all chip in with your tank specs, and interesting observations.

Thanks to all who have contributed so far!

 

[MJI]

Bump^

 

[jjrock]

I have two Mantis Shrimp, one of which is an Odontodactylus scyllarus, or Peacock Mantis.

A few pics, can be foud on my thread here:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=292326

The one in the pictures is living quite happily in a 10g glass aquarium, with a large 10 pound live rock which acts a "cave" or dwelling for "Ghengis-Prawn" (my big guy!).

I have put in a large assorment of various polished rocks, stones, and shells for him to build with, as I find he spends hour after hour building and perfecting his fortress. It's like watching a kid with lego really, it's amazing what he can do with a pile of stones and some gravel.

At any rate, I do not find the aquarium to be either too large or too small yet. He doesn't hide all that much, on the contrary, he seems to be somewhat of an exhibitionist. I keep him on my desk at work (I work a lot!) and I find myself coming to the office on week-ends, like today for instance, to spend some time observing him.

This is the most fascinating pet I have ever had and I plan on spending the remaining years of my life housing and studying these amazing creatures.

Hope this has helped some.

P.S. - I am putting together a webpage of my own dedicated solely to the study, keeping, and love of Mantish Shrimps. I will post information on it as soon as I have it up-and-running.

 

[MJI]

Thank for your reply JJrock, the pics are awesome. Do you have a deep substrate? I've heard that I should provide a deep bed and tubing for thew guy to live in.

Are they active diggers? Any problems with heaters being attacked? etc.

Many thanks in advance.