i've had a couple of mantis so far:
-viridis (sp?).......way too shy, very small......basically never saw it and only heard it.
-smithii........was also small, and never really saw it that much so this one was pretty shy. but was very pretty. had a decent personality....i love how they always use a door to their cave. just wish it was bigger, and/or more aggressive.
-Gonodactylaceus ternatensis........very cool mantis. lovely blue/purple color. very good personality......out and about searching around the tank for critters or building materials. a little bit skiddish though. the one i currently have even likes to eat flake food....which is a heck of allot easier on me. has even wagered war on a couple of crabs....although it hunts them relentlessly instead of just clobbering the prey like a peacock.
-peacock.......while i haven't owned one.....i will sometime in the future. i just love the color and the aggressiveness. along with the personality of not being shy.