reef tank w/2 mantis shrimp, on purpose!

[jawfishray]

http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/pics...a_backside.htm
They are really cool...yeah I know, don't throw rocks.
Ray

 

[cprdnick]

He's a gorgeous specimen. Is that one of the Peacock Mantis Shrimps?

 

[black99l]

i agree that mantis shrimps are very cool as long as you don't put anything in the tank they can kill. we had one for a long time. i thought he was cool.

 

[jedininja]

Thats amazing that its in there and hasnt killed anything! Too bad most mantis shrimps arent reef safe. I would love to keep one in mine.

 

[kzlen]

yeah those mantis are interesting looking creatures to say the least

 

[jawfishray]

Yes this Mantis is the commonly referred to Peacock or Harliquin. Very beautiful and tons of character.
The reason this one has not killed its tankmates is that the raptorial appendages are in regrowth. It is not clear if the claws were removed on purpose, I surely hope not as that would be pure example of mutilation. But I am quite sure this person would not do the same feeding if it were properly armed.
When I set my tank back up, I will include a sectioned off area for a large mantis. Maybe keep him as my cycle beast during my 6 month wait.
Ray

 

[nicky1.8t]

i love mantis shrimp

 

[cprdnick]

From what I gathered from that article, these two mantis are in there all the time though.

 

[jawfishray]

Seems the paired mantis must be real close or the tank is 1000gl so they can avoid each other. Makes you wonder how it all comes together?
Ray

 

[fishman830]

i dont think i'd have my hand that close to them