Thinking about getting a mantis...

[JG1]

Have a new 18g ViaAqua nano that I set up. Has about 2" fine sand, and 15-20lbs LR. I've been wanting to get a peacock mantis for some time now. What special requirements would it need besides feeding's? Do they prefer live food (small fish)? Also, are they sand bed diggers like my tiger pistol shrimp was? I knick named him the escivator becuase every day it looked like my sandbed was under new construction...lol.

 

[JG1]

BTW, this nano will be a reef tank, fully stocked with corals and a small rose anenome with a tiny clown for it.

Is it not wise to put a mantis in a tank like this? Should they really have a tank dedicated to itself?

 

[jjrock]

Depending on the size and ferocity of your Mantis, the Clown will be a snack and no more. I love watching my Peacock decimate fish, crabs, snails, and anything else that moves.

He's corral safe, just can't expect your fish and crabs to have natural long lives when they are living with a Mantis.

JJ.