Sneaky cutter

bouquet519 · Jan 23, 2017

I've been trying to get a picture of this little guy for some time. He's in the shadows but can anyone identify him?

bouquet519 · Jan 23, 2017

Meant critter

saltyfilmfolks · Jan 23, 2017

That looks like a mantis shrimp. its the eyes.

scobeyra · Jan 23, 2017

Crazy. Hard to tell from the pic but looks like a mantis shrimp from the eyes.

RyanSweet · Jan 23, 2017

Definitely a mantis. If you get him out and want to rehome him, let me know.

Lionfish Lair · Jan 23, 2017

It's absolutely a mantis.

BrettMallette · Jan 23, 2017

Woah didnt even see the eyes at first. Totally a mantis of some kind can see the multi facets even in the dark. So cool!

AlexG · Jan 23, 2017

I agree its a mantis.

bouquet519 · Jan 23, 2017

I'm 23 days into a new biocube32. Planning on some coral and fish but probably not for at least 5-6 weeks. Should I just leave it and see what happens with the Mantis? Or go ahead and remove? I put a CUC in last Wednesday. I noticed one of the peppermint shrimp had died a couple days later. Not sure it it was the Mantis or not but there is nothing left of the shrimp.

RyanSweet · Jan 23, 2017

Mantis should really be in a species specific tank only. They will go after pretty much all you CUC and most fish.

AlexG · Jan 23, 2017

It can be a mixed bag on them bothering other animals. If they are well fed they might leave everything alone. I have kept small ones with fish and snails, crabs, and clams without issues. If you are concerned I would remove the mantis take them to the store. I used to keep one in a 2.5 gallon tank on my desk for over 2 years. They are highly intelligent with some interesting behaviors.

eja99 · Jan 23, 2017

+1 on the mantis. If you do decide to remove him please do so with care. They can cause some serious damage.

Google "mantis shrimp punch speed."

ahiggins · Jan 24, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
That looks like a mantis shrimp. its the eyes.

+1

mtfish · Jan 24, 2017

bouquet519 said:
Meant critter

You were right the first time. Depending on species it is either a cutter or clubber, depending on their feeding habit. See if you can see what shape its claws are to know which one you have. I have one in my tank with no issues, but it probably gets fed well.

Reefapprentice · Jan 24, 2017

Picture is too low quality to try to get a if on the species. Rather cool animals that make a great species only tank. If you do remove him and want to get a I'd post up some pictures. And the advice above about being careful is real- my N. wennerae gave me a good smack the other day while cleaning the tank.

bouquet519 · Jan 25, 2017

Got a few good pics this morning. It's digging under a rock. First time it's been out during the daylight. I've got video too if anyone would like it.

bouquet519 · Jan 25, 2017

So far it's taken out a peppermint shrimp and two small crabs.

bouquet519 · Jan 25, 2017

My concern is adding anything else to the tank. Especially fish. As cool as the Mantis is, I don't particularly want to keep an entire 32g tank just for it. Any ideas on how to catch it?