Is this the dreaded.....Mantis Shrimp

[egwich]

Hey Everyone,

Just set up my 55 gallon tank. About six weeks in. I have two clowns, a snail (who hitch hiked) and this guy just emerged from the live rock once I put my clowns in. Whenever it's feeding time in the afternoon he comes out and eats stuff off the ground. Holy crap is he fast.

Is this a Mantis Shrimp? I think yes, but wanted to get some expert opinions. Sorry for the bad photo it's the best I can do at the moment since he's been so quick and hiding constantly.

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!! Yes It's is a Mantis shrimp.

 

[foxt]

+1 on the mantis. They can wreak havoc, depending on what you will be keeping in the tank. They are also difficult to catch - trapping can work, with some patience. They are also very neat to watch as they develop, so if you can tolerate whatever starts to disappear, you may want to keep it. Or you can do what I did - keep it in a small little 10g that I maintain to seed QT tanks when I need them. Mine turned from the color yours is to a beautiful blue/green over time.

 

[egwich]

I ordered some traps off of Amazon last night as I was fairly certain I was dealing with a Mantis. Definitely don't want one in my tank. I've done freshwater my whole life and this is my first saltwater so I'd like it to go smooth...which Mantis's don't seem to have a reputation for keeping things smooth.

I thought I knew what Live Rock he was living in so I was going to just remove the rock to get him out...but today I saw him enter at least three other rocks...so that plan is out of the question.

Anyone have luck with the Amazon traps? This is what I purchased. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DKB7M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

He's still rather small at the moment so hopefully I can catch him sooner rather than later. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[ThunderGoose]

I have had a mantis shrimp in my DT for several months now. I've lost a few snails and my snapping shrimp but that's all. I know where she lives but it's the largest rock structure in the tank and it's all glued together so no pulling the rock work out.

When you do get her out consider keeping her in the sump or QT. They can be fun to watch. If you don't want to keep her post on your local reef club that you have one, someone will want her!

Good luck.