Is this a mantis shrimp?!

[Kyuubi]

I’ve had some live rock for a few months now, and I just noticed right now that a mantis looking little shrimp eyes were popping out of a little crevice. I can’t really see any color since it’s only been brave enough to show it’s little eyes. Any pointers on how to safely trap this little critter to observe him better? Video shows him a little better.

 

[Kyuubi]

Video didn’t want to post the first time here’s a second third fourth fifth attempt.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

I’ve had some live rock for a few months now, and I just noticed right now that a mantis looking little shrimp eyes were popping out of a little crevice. I can’t really see any color since it’s only been brave enough to show it’s little eyes. Any pointers on how to safely trap this little critter to observe him better? Video shows him a little better.

Yes it sure is

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

Yep it looks like it.
easiest way is to have a second tank or bucket set up when he goes into a rock to hide pull the whole rock, then hunt him in the bucket.

you might be able to trade or sell it to your lfs. some people like keeping them in their own tanks.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

have audio but no video

 

[Kyuubi]

Yes it sure is

Gosh dang it lol, any ideas on how to get him out without hurting him?

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Gosh dang it lol, any ideas on how to get him out without hurting him?

Yes most likely will have to carefully remove the rock he is in. Mantis usually to shy to fall for a trap

 

[Duncan62]

Gosh dang it lol, any ideas on how to get him out without hurting him?

Keep him. He's cool.

 

[Kyuubi]

have audio but no video

Keep him. He's cool.

He’ll eat the fish I have planned for this tank

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

food in a tube, they make mantis shrimp traps, but basically the trick is to get them into something and remove it to get it out of your display tank before he gets your fish.

 

[G Santana]

Very cool, many yrs ago I got one with my live rock, caught him and housed him in his own tank. Very cool critters.

 

[Duncan62]

He’ll eat the fish I have planned for this tank

I'm sure you can find him a home. Dip the rock he's in in really salti water for a bit. Not fatal of course but much higher than normal. Most hitchhikers will crawl out. Then pick the ones you want. Good luck.

 

[Kyuubi]

Doing that right now! How long should I soak the rock? 30 seconds?

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

till he comes out, might want to back away in case he has stage fright.
leave the rock in the stronger salt mix it will work

 

[Karen00]

That is a super cute way to introduce himself. I think he should be called "Eyes" or maybe a play on that "Ayes". LOL. Take a pic when you flush him out Good luck.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Love these guys, but they will eat your fish. He is a mantis. I am sure you will find a good home for it.

 

[Kyuubi]

That is a super cute way to introduce himself. I think he should be called "Eyes" or maybe a play on that "Ayes". LOL. Take a pic when you flush him out Good luck.

He hasn’t left the rock yet;Drowning

 

[pbrown]

He is super cute.....
I had a mantis long ago with my first tank...showed up after my tank was about a year old. Probably came in as a baby on my live rock. Soon enough I started hearing Loud pops at night and one my one my fish disappeared. By the time i could catch him he decimated my fish. Glad you have seen him pre-fish stocking. They are beautiful animals, very unique.

Careful of where you place your hands...the pop is incredibly strong and can hurt you.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

he will come out, put some food in there, maybe turn off the lights

 

[Kyuubi]

he will come out, put some food in there, maybe turn off the lights

Still nothing