Mantis Shrimp (Maybe!)

[a_free_bird73]

I noticed a couple of crustaceans hiding around a couple of months ago that were relatively small (1/8 - 1/4 inch). Lately, I have noticed that their numbers have multiplied dramatically and have seen at least 20 of them hunting little crawlies at night. I have been observing them closely for the last two weeks and they seem to have behaviour much like what is described for a mantis shrimp.

Do you think these are a small species of mantis shrimp that I need to remove (I have no fish in this tank yet but will be soon) or are they something else. I was also under the impression that mantis shrimps are much larger than that and are solitary not tolerating another one close by!!

[OrionGirl]

Most likely these are a pod of some kind. Check here: http://reefs.org/hhfaq/ and compare to the copopods there.

Mantis shrimp are larger than you're describing, and I have never heard of them reproducing in the aquarium, whereas copos are fecund. Also a good thing--indicates a healthy system.

[gcvt]

Check out fishiebusiness' post over in General Marine - http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=9328

He just got a Mantis (on purpose) and posted some good photos.


EDIT: Here's an interesting link:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/killershrimp010105.html

[a_free_bird73]

Thank you for the information. It does look like an Amphipod of some sort.

[karlas]

heres a good pic of one does it look like this

pods (http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/picture_pages/faq_amphipod.html)

[karlas]

heres a good site if you want to check out mantis shrimp

mantis shrim[ (http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/)