Might get a seastar. I'm a little rusty on keeping marine aquariums.
- Thread starter MudskipperFan
- Start date
Mantis are usually small for a while, like1-2", but I have seen some about 6", but I think those were real old.
MudskipperFan: asternia are not really a consideration when you talk about limits on what you can keep in your system. They multiply like rabbits if not kept in check. The only "natural" way to keep them in check is by keeping a Harlequin Shrimp. They love to eat the asternia. I have a couple of hundred in my system and they all vary in size. I have to get another Harlequin to help keep them in check. I net them off the back of my tank about every month as part of my overall maintenance. So perhaps you want to keep a pair of HS in the tank (they are about an inch to an inch and a half). They need good water quality.
mantis shrimp vary in size from species to species, but a lot are small enough to live in your tank
Yeah, I've had a few harlequins myself that came into my tank for that very reason.
Only thing is in a small tank they can wipe out asterinas real quick, and starfish are all they eat, so you will need to give them starfish to eat.
Choc chip stars are what I feed mine.
Only thing is in a small tank they can wipe out asterinas real quick, and starfish are all they eat, so you will need to give them starfish to eat.
Choc chip stars are what I feed mine.
Oh and I forgot to mention, mantis shrimp have an extremely sharp tail, and they snap it much like a pacific lobster does, but really fast, and can cut you pretty good w/it, so never handle them, EVER!
I always fear finding one by accident, as they tend to hitch on live rock, pretty much like getting hit by a razor blade attached to a rubber band.
I always fear finding one by accident, as they tend to hitch on live rock, pretty much like getting hit by a razor blade attached to a rubber band.
Yes, I know. I've done my research.
Do you guys think a 2.5-6 inch mantis shrimp can fit into a ten gallon tank?
Ok, just making sure, I'd feel bad if I didn't warn ya.
Most of the ones I see are pretty small, rarely do I see them over 3-4", and usually closer to an inch or two.
No prob in a 10g, many do it.
Most of the ones I see are pretty small, rarely do I see them over 3-4", and usually closer to an inch or two.
No prob in a 10g, many do it.
Okay, if anyone has a 6-12 inch mantis shrimp then I'd like to buy it. Bonus if it's predatory and fierce. Otherwise I'll just get a pistol shrimp.
Is it possible to even buy an Asterina? I have a ton from my live rock... very boring, to say the least.
As for Mantis, have fun. I want one too, eventually.
As for Mantis, have fun. I want one too, eventually.
