[Troyboy112]

I've seen a lot of programs on TV about mantis shrimp and I'd really like to get one, but before I pick out one- help me choose the kind.

I have a 72 gal. Reef (mix) - the fish are listed in my sig.

I don't want the shrimp to crack my tank glass, have to burry itself in the tank sand (I only have about 2 to 3 inches in any give spot in the tank), or kill the fish or other creatures I might add to the tank...

So? Which type is good for me?

With all that said-

Does anyone know a good spot to buy a mantis shrimp online?

Any help would be appreciated...

[mtfabel]

Most mantis shrimp are not good for a reef tank. They are best kept singly, by them selves. They are opportunistic creatures and will eat anything it catches, including your favorite fish.

[Troyboy112]

Thanks for the quick response, but even with that said- I still want to get one.

So, if I did get one, which type would be the best bet that it’s not going to punch a hole in my tank, or hunt down and kill all my fish?

[RyanG]

Originally Posted by Troyboy112

Thanks for the quick response, but even with that said- I still want to get one.

So, if I did get one, which type would be the best bet that it’s not going to punch a hole in my tank, or hunt down and kill all my fish?

Troy, you can't just get one, thats like keeping a black mamba in a hampster cage. Unless you Want to do that...

They need their own species tank.

[Troyboy112]

Well- Thanks for the warnings,

I won't get one for my 72 gal. reef (mix), but I still might set up an entirely different tank, so if anyone else has any info on what to get, or where to get it- please post..

I know I've been warned twice now, but if there are any reefers out there who have successfully had a mantis shrimp occupy a fair sized reef tank with small to medium sized fish, without casualties- please also post..



Mantis shrimp are still really fascinating...

[Krazy]

Mantis shrimp and reef tanks just dont mix...

Get yourself a nice lil bio cube just for the mantis

[e_baer]

get a 10g tank, my firend has a 10g and a lime green mantis. I saw it feed today, it was soooooo cool! The mantis is only about 3" long, and we fed it a shrimp even bigger than it! It punched it like 3 times, then the shrimp was wounded and was hobling around, then the mantis went for the kill, grabbed the shrimp by the back and pulled it into its home. If it was humans, it would be a horror film! THE coolest thing! you can get one at Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums

[blind1993]

they are cool but if i made a ten gallon tank i would use it as a dwarf seahorse tank since they are the cooles things alive IMO

[Sikkob]

There are alot of Mantis Shrimp vids at youtube.com

[sorensonsnowman]

Why take a chance, get one Mantis and have a conversation tank. They are cool how fast they can be to have yum yum!

[swinginbeef]

bump

still looking?? I pulled one out of my new cycling tank just now. I could try sending it to you. You pay shipping and it's yours.

[blind1993]

you best option is that u sell it to ur lfs or post it on craigslist or ebay.

[swinginbeef]

I was actually going to run to the LFS tonight but was going to blow it off since I spent so much time mantis hunting! I'll run up there and get a water test and throw the mantis in the test water container!

I'll be back in a couple hours!

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Mantis shrimp sold here.Live Rock - Tampa Bay Saltwater Aquacultured Live Rock

[blind1993]

but i think someone should get one off of swinginbeefs hands.

[AB3]

The one E_Baer talks about is mine. I named him Maximus and he is really cool. I got mine from the link E_Baer posted but you can also get them at marinedepot.com and Sealifeinc.net ,one of my favorite sites. I will actually be getting my next mantis from them. Good luck and let us know when you get it.