Mantis Shrimp??

JusMeJim

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Pretty sure we have two mantis shrimp in our tank that is cycling. Just need to figure out how to get them out before we start putting fish in it. One appears to be pretty clear. The other is black with lighter colored stripes going from side to side. Both move VERY FAST. Haven't been able to get a decent photo, but have a couple short videos, neither of which does much good with identifying them for sure.
 

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mcarroll

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The easiest way might be to track them to which rocks they are in then remove the rocks to separate tanks.
 
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JusMeJim

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The easiest way might be to track them to which rocks they are in then remove the rocks to separate tanks.
That sounds like a good idea. I've read about when you first get new rock you can put them in a high salinity water. Does that make them come out of the rocks without killing them?
 

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mcarroll

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As far as I know that's only a theory.... not sure anyone knows for sure what's happening.

My guess as to the explanation is that as tide pools heat up at low tide and the water evaporates they have to be able to know that and have a sense to get out of there before salinity is so high that it's uninhabitable.

I guess you're just trying to trigger that response.
 

Uncle99

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Take out rock.
Put in sink for 15 minutes.
Mr. Mantis should fall out.
You may need to turn the rock a few times.

Also, you can help him leave by squirting either hot water or carbonated water in the “hole” that he lives if you know that.

If you don’t know you can bait a trap with a plastic bottle trap. Not always effective.

Be carful. They pack a big punch.

If it stays, it will eat everything in time.

Gotta go, dead or alive.
 
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JusMeJim

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Caught two which I think is all there is. Also got a couple of crabs, which is probably not good ones, and a tiny clear something. Maybe a baby Mantis???? I have no idea what it is.
 

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RobynR

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Caught two which I think is all there is. Also got a couple of crabs, which is probably not good ones, and a tiny clear something. Maybe a baby Mantis???? I have no idea what it is.
I think I had one of the white things - your tiny clear thing and it was a bad isopod, cannot recall exactly what because it was back in like 2004.
 

Hadla

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I’m so jealous!!! 😭 What did you do with them? If you’re in the us, would you consider shipping?
 

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