Pistol or Mantis

[zanemoseley]

I've heard that mantis's make several small pops in a row while the pistol's normally do one large pop.

 

[stuckinfla]

Now I have heard that both make the clicking sound. I just found this little guy about a month ago. Hes only 1 1/2" long and LOUD!!! I hear a click (like someone throwing a rock at the window) about every 10 -15 mins. or so. I have caught him grabbing the rock, creating numerous clicks (3-4) one after the other. His right claw is huge(as long as his body) and hes tanish-clear in color. He has also buroughed caves with exits under ever rock in the tank. (5gal) Hes the only inhabitant - kinda my frag tank. Thanks for the info ahead of time!!

 

[promisetbg]

One claw huge,the other small?Sounds like a pistol.A pistol shrimp's body is similar to an ordinary shrimp..the mantis body looks more like a praying mantis{sits upright}.

 

[sov82]

If everything besides the shrimp is dead in your tank, its a mantis

 

[stuckinfla]

I never said everything was dead

I said hes the only critter in my frag tank. Yes does look like a common shrimp besides his huge claw, it is mostly one large "click" but once or twice i did hear several in a row.

 

[mongoose]

sov was being funny....

HAHAHA some of you people are all business. Yes you have a pistol, no worrys, mahalo
You would certinaly know if you had a mantis

 

[baddlord77]

Are pistol shrimp tottaly reef safe....wont harm snails/crabs.etc.....?

 

[sov82]

Yes it was a joke...but I would also say thats the best way to know if you have a mantis or not

 

[mongoose]

Yes they are reef safe however they have been known to dig enough substrait to topple liverock.

 

[stuckinfla]

Thanks, dont want an earthquake in the 55, so he'll get fed in the 5