New mertens

386reeftrader

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Picked up this Mertensii. Chilling in the main tank for now and then moving to its own display where it can have the space and optimal conditions to show itself.
IMG_4471.jpeg
 
Looks healthy. What size tank are you planning on getting for it?
 
Last edited:
Looks healthy. What size tank are you planning on getting for it?
Haven't quite decided that yet. Probably going into a 100gal peninsula style tank I already have laying around, but I'd like to do 100 gallon cube and make it the center focus. Mertens known to get 2-3ft across so taking that into consideration.
 
can already tell the Mertens will need a new home very soon. Opening more each day probably close to 16” specimen and it’s just getting settled in
IMG_4501.jpeg
Based on this photo alone, I predict that it'll get a lot bigger. A LOT. It's still not fully expanded--even the tentacles may get a bit longer. With mertensii, the oral disc tends to lay more flat if given the space (it'll still have some folds, but usually on the outer edges) so I'm guessing that it's only at about 3/4 of its actual size.
 
Based on this photo alone, I predict that it'll get a lot bigger. A LOT. It's still not fully expanded--even the tentacles may get a bit longer. With mertensii, the oral disc tends to lay more flat if given the space (it'll still have some folds, but usually on the outer edges) so I'm guessing that it's only at about 3/4 of its actual size.
Agreed, it seems to be stretching further each day. If it had adequate space I think it would be 2ft across in a few weeks time. Probably was around that size or bigger when collected.
 
Reaching from the sand bed to about 7-8” beneath the surface of my standard 180 dislpay and still has folds. I’ve kept many nems Gigs, Haddoni, Mags etc this one is peaking my interest. It’s crazy reactive, moves and changes shapes rapidly and gaining some cool multi tone colors. It’s positioned in a low flow spot I think once I can get more light/flow it will get better tent extension and coloration
IMG_4775.jpeg
 
Glad to see it is still doing great!
 
Nothing beats some natural sunlight on the tank. Mertens soaking up some golden hour light
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Just curious - do they stay put or roam around alot like mags ?
 
Just curious - do they stay put or roam around alot like mags ?

This one hasn’t moved off this rock since I got it. It’s moved around the rock in the other tank trying to get more light but never jumped ship. Seems happy where it’s at now, time will tell
 
Getting more golden/yellow colors. Also getting some really nice folds since moving into the new tank love it’s shape
IMG_5291.jpeg
 

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