Unwanted mantis.

[SeaSpza]

I found a mantis shrimp in one of my newer tanks today.It must have come in aone some live rock I added about a month ago.I want to get rid of it and I know this can be easyer said than done and I was looking for any info that will help me get this guy out of my tank.

 

[gebrony]

if you can catch it with the old pop bottle trick i'll yake it off your hands

 

[Ms. K]

I also have a tank in my classroom that is ready for a mantis, if you can catch it.

 

[sw65galma]

I'm in Ma. I can meet ya somewhere! if ya find it..

 

[SeaSpza]

OK I know it is easy to get rid of but I need details on how to trap it please. I know it involves a bottle cut in half but what do I do with it.Anyone got a design for a trap that is any good?

 

[gnivag]

Cut the bottle twords the top, after it becomes the same diameter as the rest of the bottle. Flip the cut section inwards. So that the mouth part is inside the bottle and the opening consits of a gradual opening that leads to the inside. Secure with reef safe glue or small amount of superglue (dab on 2-3 places around circumference. Put someting tummy inside and place near where you think the shrimp hangs out. You could also wrap the bottle with foil or something to make it more cave like. Check it in the morning and before long you'll have him.

 

[SeaSpza]

Thanks.I really want him out but wasnt sure how to go about it.I dont want to kill him I just want him out before he hurts someone(like me).

 

[rustyf88]

If you cannot trap him in a trap, find his home in the rock work and pull that rock out and pour "soda water" on the rock. It will burn him a little, but as soon as you get him out, put him in saltwater. It does not take long once the soda water hits him.

 

[rustyf88]

I put the rock over a bucket and poured the soda water over the rock and as soon as the first drop hit him, he came out flippin' and landed in the bucket and job was done.

 

[SeaSpza]

does the soda kill or hurt it much.I am hoping for a live capture.He is good for trading.

 

[Ms. K]

He'll come out of the rock quickly and if you have some salt water to put him in immediately, he should be fine.

 

[rustyf88]

It will burn them a little but not kill it, but like Mrs. K said, put them in saltwater quickly and it will be fine. I have trapped a few mantis that way and all of them have lived, "mad" but lived!

 

[rustyf88]

If you know what specie he is, I might trade you for him. Let me know or if you can get a picture of him, that would help out as well. Thanks!

 

[pisces77]

I'm in CT and will take him (I'll drive up) if the other guy in Mass falls through.