to catch or not to catch

[juan jose]

I discovered my mantis around three weeks ago in my tank. DonÃ"šÃ‚´t know what he is eating but his is still alive. Maybe some of my critters but I havenÃ"šÃ‚´t seen an important reduction of critters in my tank. IÃ"šÃ‚´ve seen him catch some flakes or nori that passes by his rock. I like the little fellow, at night he covers his own rock hole. After reading around and asking some lfs owners I donÃ"šÃ‚´t really know wether to catch him and get rid of him or let him be. Some people tell me it will even kill my fish. Should I better try to get him out of my tank? IÃ"šÃ‚´m truly confused on what to do. Would like to read some opinions or suggestions.

 

[Carinya]

I would try to catch him & either set him up in a small species tank or see if anyone else in your area would be interested in keeping him as an exotic pet. If you're up for shipping the animal, I imagine it would be fairly easy to find someone here who is interested in paying a reasonable price + shipping for it.

C

 

[Gonodactylus]

It really depends on the size and species. If the animal is under two inches, it won't do much damage and I would leave it alone.

Roy

 

[juan jose]

It really depends on the size and species. If the animal is under two inches, it won't do much damage and I would leave it alone.

Roy

He is about two inches long. Will try to get a picture of him but he is to fast. I think they are great pets to keep, they appear to be really smart. Too bad they are dangerous to other inhabitants.

 

[Safierdrgn]

I have a little 5 gallon setup for my mantis...though he also has various hermits, snails, emerald crab, and a blue damsel with him...he doesn't bother any of them and the damsel actually will go into his rock and hide with him. Eventually though, he'll probably end up chowing down on the crabs and snails.

 

[juan jose]

I have a little 5 gallon setup for my mantis...though he also has various hermits, snails, emerald crab, and a blue damsel with him...he doesn't bother any of them and the damsel actually will go into his rock and hide with him. Eventually though, he'll probably end up chowing down on the crabs and snails.

I guess I will have to setup a little tank for the mantis also. Thanks for your input.