Tiny Shrimp Terrorizes Aquarium

[OrionGirl]

Actually--they will hit the side of the tank if they feel cornered or trapped. Here's another article about them--scroll about halfway down, and you'll see the tale of this particular mantis 'escaping' from the critter keeper quite easily, and there's a pic of the author's finger after a close encounter.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-03/jf/feature/index.htm

 

[Corax]

Corax,
I got a third one. If no one is interested locally, would you like it?

Depends.. What color is it? The greens are my favorites.

 

[mogurnda]

They are all reddish. I got a local taker, though. You may get lucky if I am unlucky enough to get a fourth.

 

[Corax]

Is it just me or do people seem all too eager to either discount the mantis or ascribe it super-powers and malevolence?

They will also use the tank wall to pin their prey against, and if the hit the glass while smashing it, obviously the glass is going to give. I've read enough reports on various fishboards about these guys to be one that respects their super-powers.. If these things walked on land and were even close to the size of humans, we would not be at the top of the food chain. They're intelligent, powerful, well equipped and fast.. Not a good combination if you happen to be in their way and look at all yummy..

 

[mellowvision]

these are the only reason I want a salt water tank.

 

[DrNo]

Wow that was quite a bump mellow, but I agree with you. These sp. are incredible!