Where to get a mantis?

[Dave12678]

Are there any places on the web that sell then not for cooking lol. I think the only place I haven't tried yet was ebay. Also could I keep a MH on the tank he is in? I have a 10g getting ready to set it up in late august.

thanks
Dave

 

[Pea-brain]

Depends on the species. Tampabaysaltwater.com ships N. wennerae overnight for 50$. N. wennerae is a good interactive smasher that stays about 3" and since its a shallow water species would do fine under about the strongest light you can find (within reason. If the water boils away under the light or chars the mantis then it might be a bit strong )

Dan

 

[Thurge]

Lighting depends on the species. Some are found in shallow water and are adapted to high light situations. Others are found deeper and high lighting can promote algae growth on the mantis itself. If not caught early, the algae rhizomes can penetrate deep enough that it prevents molting.

 

[Dave12678]

I really liked the Lysiosquillina maculata that mr stomato has. I would love something like that. If I could find one that lives in a hole in the sand that would be great to

 

[Pea-brain]

They are hard to find and aren't particularly active. They need a sand bed at least as deep as them and you will rarely see them except a flash during feeding time and peeking out when they are comfortable. If you like the spearer aspect then I would suggest P. ciliata, which can be held in a 20 gallon and burrow under rocks. They are much more active and come out and interact, but are also spearers. They get about 4" long and can be Bright yellow or any number of other patterns and colors. Like red with a stripe down the middle, or green with 2 black stripes etc. etc. but they are not likely to hold their color unless yellow, and even then no guarentees.

Dan