mantis shrimp found in 55 gal reef tank should i remove it or leave it if remove how is the best way?

Answer 1

There are a number of types of mantis shrimp, and some are worse than others. Unless you know what type yours is and how harmful it could be to your tank residents, it would probably be best to remove it.

If you wanted, you could set up another tank to keep it by itself. Some people buy them, and a few of them are very attractive. I've also heard about their capability for breaking glass, and I know most people who keep them use acrylic tanks for theirs.

The best way I would think to catch one is to use a baited trap. You could use a clean plastic bottle with the label removed and put some food inside (it would work best if the opening is too small for any fish, but big enough for him to get in. You may have to put something in the bottle to keep it from floating and build a little ramp to the mouth so he can get in. Sit this near where he hides and turn off the tank lights (but have some dim lighting so you can see when he goes into the bottle. When he's inside, tip the bottle up and take it out. If you don't want to put your hands in the water (they earn the name thumb-splitter), tie some string to the neck of the bottle and pull it out that way.

Here's some info on mantises if you decide to keep him: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/stomatopods/mantisshrimp.htm
http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/msubpestmshrimp/a/aa110498.htm

Answer 2

If it is a reef tank i would remove it as quickly as possible. Mantis shrimp are notorious predators and will cause havoc to your tank.

the best way to remove it is to get a glass jar large enough so it will trap the mantis and cut the top large enough so the mantis may enter. place the glass jar right before nights out next to where the mantis usually stays, against one of the rocks. inside the jar place a piece of shrimp meat to bait the mantis. once inside the jar, the mantis will not able to scale the glass walls.

this is the best and easiest way to remove it.

Answer 3

Most people recommend that you remove it b/c it can cause damage to corals and fish. They actualy make mantis shrimp traps you can bait and they will trap it for easy removal.

Pretty fascinating creatures, though. Maybe you could set up a small tank just for him and watch him. They call Mantis shrimp "thumb splitters" because they can punch with their claws at a very high velocity to kill or stun prey. Their claws can actually pack the same energy as a .22 caliber bullet; enough to really hurt you if it hits you on the finger. I've even heard of them breaking glass tanks with those claws, but that might just be urban mythology.

Answer 4

Many people say if you like the Mantis Shrimp set up a smaller tank for it and keep it alone.

I say if it isn't hurting your set up leave it be.

Answer 5

As long as your mantis isn't hurting anything, I would let it be. Otherwise, if there is a problem, the store would take it back usually, but wont give you credit for it. I hope you enjoy the tranquility the salt water tanks give you!