Mantis Shrimp trying to break overflow

[PurplePeopleEater]

My mantis shrimp has been trying to break the overflow box thing for hours now. He has done no damage yet but should I be worried? I'm not sure how to discourage this behavior?

 

[\m/reefsnmetal\m/]

Does he have a good setup for hiding spots in the tank? He could be trying to break in there thinking it's a good spot to make his den.

 

[WVNed]

Perhaps trying to open something encrusting on it to eat it.

 

[PurplePeopleEater]

He has a den that sleeps in at night, closes the door to it and everything. and comes out to different caves n such during the day, I think to hunt.

He has the whole 10 gal tank to himself besides a few snails n crabs that he is slowly devouring.

But I agree, he is thinking that would be a better den.

He is still at it. He hits it about 4 times then runs away. Comes back at it in less than a minute. Over n over.

I guess I'm glad he's not hitting the glass.

 

[PurplePeopleEater]

Perhaps trying to open something encrusting on it to eat it.

The only thing on it is bad algae and xenia.

 

[PurplePeopleEater]

Lots of hiding places I think. 17 lbs of live rock.

 

[PurplePeopleEater]

This is where he lives...

 

[G Santana]

He's sending Morse code, it reads, feed me Seymore feed me!!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Dont see it breaking it duwe to typical thickness however look on other side as something is attracting its attention such as a snail or similar.
Rarely do i see them climb up a tank as they are generally hiding within rocks

 

[\m/reefsnmetal\m/]

Maybe you can find some reef safe black mesh screen to put over those openings to make it appear less cave like? He may lose interest if it doesn't look like a sweet spot to hide.

 

[PurplePeopleEater]

Just an update: He's still at it. He spends about 5-8 hours a day running up and hitting the overflow, then running back. I'm feeling pretty confident that he's not gonna break it at this point. But I can't confirm the idea that mantis shrimp are very smart. I'm thinking the opposite.

FYI: I do feed him a large piece of krill every day that he takes from my feeding tongs so I don't think it's a hunger thing.

 

[\m/reefsnmetal\m/]

Just an update: He's still at it. He spends about 5-8 hours a day running up and hitting the overflow, then running back. I'm feeling pretty confident that he's not gonna break it at this point. But I can't confirm the idea that mantis shrimp are very smart. I'm thinking the opposite.

FYI: I do feed him a large piece of krill every day that he takes from my feeding tongs so I don't think it's a hunger thing.

Lol he just wants to make sure it's still there. Props to whoever manufactured the overflow.

 

[melonheadorion]

you can keep on knockin, but you cant come in

 

[DeniseAndy]

Crazy shrimp. Must be something. Maybe a reflection? Did you put a little picture of another mantis on it for fun??????