Will this kill him?

[caseyz]

Okay, let me first state that I have tried traps and everything else and I have not been able to catch my mantis.

That being said, I have been trying to catch/kill him. Yesterday, I finally got lucky and managed to get a hold of him with tongs. We played tug of war and instead of pulling him out of the rock, I tore off one of his hammers.

Will this kill him? Will it grow back? Will he be REALLY mad the next time I put my hand in the tank, JK.

Just wanted to know if they can survive something like that?

 

[artful-dodger]

He will probably survive and will be re-armed (so to speak) at the next molting although it will take several molts to get back to full size.

 

[caseyz]

Not the answer I was hoping for...

 

[artful-dodger]

I hear ya. There are lots of people who hang out in this forum who know a whole lot more about these guys than me, so watch for an update from an expert. (My response was based on other shrimp that seem to be able to survive loss of limb easily.)

 

[jchough79]

Casey,

It sounds to me like you are trying to remove this Mantis. If this is the case, try not to kill it there are people here who would be willing to take the guy off your hand. Have you tried to get him out with freshwater??? If he is inside a piece of LR if possible with-out destroying everything take it out and drop it in some fresh water until he comes out. This is how I remove worms and such and they normally come out very quick. Try setting up a small tank for him and keep him it is a very interesting creature. Good Luck!!!

 

[Xavante]

Casey. If you know you know what piece of LR it lives in you could try to pick it up and pour carbonated water in the hole were it lives , that will chase it out. Dont kill the little fellow ,put it in a new tank and enyoy it instead.

Thomas