Who wants a BEAUTY?

[Princess Di]

Hello mantis lovers. I have just discovered a mantis in my 500+gallon. He has been in there for almost a year. I have not added anymore live rock since then. I have only lost 2 small fish although I can't prove mantis as the culprit. I started with over 350 snails and crab and I am sure that some are gone. I have also heard snapping noises, but assumed it was my pistol shrimp. UNTIL I SAW IT!!! I have no idea how to catch this thing in a tank this big. I am tempted to tear it apart before I get too carried away with corals, but will I do more damage by freshwater dipping the rock? You can check my gallery for pictures of my tank and I will try to attach one of the mantis. He is VERY quick and hard to get a picture of. It took me two days to find him for this one. Plus my camera is not the best. oh yeah, this thing is at least 3-4 inches long and very colorful. The picture doesn't do it justice.

 

[rwhhunt]

Man, I am in the process of upgrading one of my mantis tanks, and would have an extra... where are you located?

 

[rwhhunt]

By the way, Very Exotic looking! I wonder what species????

 

[crafty_50mitchell]

Looks to be a Gonadactylus Smithii, very cool designs on the inside of the rap. appendages. 3-4 inches is a bit large for this species however (from my understanding), if so the size might be slightly distorted from viewing it in the tank.
Brian

 

[MrSexyShrimp]

yes, please let us know if you are willing to ship, some of us are quite desperate for a mantis-friend

have you tried the "inverted soda bottle" method for catching him?

 

[Princess Di]

I tried the inverted soda bottle for 2 nights. Nothing but snails and a cleaner shrimp! I am going to try the pvc and plastic comb thingy next because I don't think my cleaners will go into it. He is kinda growing on me now, but still gives me the creeps....I just want him out of my main display.

 

[rwhhunt]

Does he come out and look at you, mines very inquisitive, studying me with his crazy stereo eye balls...

 

[Princess Di]

Yes, he does seem to check us out. I'll try to get some more pictures today. I'm vervous now of messing around in my tank. I set the trap last night and still no mantis....

 

[Princess Di]

oops.....I meant nervous.

 

[dc]

Well mine holes up at night, maybe you should put the trap in just before daylight.

 

[mightymouse]

let us know if you will ship like osme1 else said im also looking for a mantis

 

[Princess Di]

I've set two different traps for 6 nights and still no mantis.....:sad2:

 

[rwhhunt]

patience is the key...But then again, i think she could be on to you! Shes probably laughing in her cave right now! (in between bites of your tasty inverts and succulent fishies!)

 

[Princess Di]

Well, this guy (or gal) is a smart one! I still have not been able to catch him. He doesn't seem to have one particular rock that he stays in. He's all over the place....everytime I think I might be able to snatch the piece of rock he's in, he scurries away. I've tried two different home-made traps and they have not worked. Guess I'll keep trying.