Worries...

[soulja221]

I was just doing a lights out check around my tank with a flashlight and i believe i've found a mantis shrimp of some sort. The only inhabitants of the tank are a few turbo snails, a few small hermits and one perc. Im not really worried about him eating anything but it would suck to have him attack my perc.

Anyways, the problem is that I hear that these guys can break glass tanks, i've got an all glass tank and am quite worried. Is the tank breaking something to be worried about or should i just rest easy?

 

[AIMFish]

I've heard that to and personally taken care of about 10, that I knew about , in my fish keeping years and never had it happen. I'm interested to see what the mantis pros say.

 

[Thurge]

All in all its not a common happening, but it kind of depends on the species of mantis. Its the bigger species of Smasher Mantises that warrent some worry. They usually crack the bottom piece of glass when digging around in the sand (but will be more than happy to smack your finger through the glass.)
I keep my N.wenn in a 15 gallon with no worries. I guess its possible he could strike the glass in a weak spot and break it but it rather unlikely.
I wouldn't keep an Odontodactylus scyllarus (peacock Mantis) in the same tank. I would either go with an acrylic tank or go with somethign that has a little thicker glass than a 10 or 15.

If your mantis is under 4" or so you should be fine, but an acrylic tank would take any abuse dished out.

 

[soulja221]

thanks, im going to set up a small trap tonight to see if i can bait him into it so i can get a better look at the species...hopefully i'll have some pics up soon