Operation: Remove Mantis Shrimp

GatorDrew

AC Members
Apr 19, 2006
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I was cleaning my tank today when I all of a sudden saw something FLY by. Needless to say, I officially freaked. Something that is about 2" or bigger is in my tank... and I never put it in there.

After some poking with the feeding stick... I got to see it for a split second. It looks like this: http://www.lapulapucity.gov.ph/pictures/albums/userpics/10002/MANTIS_SHRIMP_@_TINGO.JPG

Here's the thing... over the past month I've heard clicks and have noticed snails disappear. A small blue cheeked goby is no longer.

I want him OUT!

I got an X-terminator from my LFS. But that doesn't seem to be doing it. I've identified his rock... but now I'm afraid to grab it with my hands for fear of him doing something.

So, I was curious... do you think the Aqua Gloves would give me enough protection?
 
Please don't kill it! They're tons of people that love these creatures and would be happy to have him!

Don't bother with gloves, what I would do is get a pair of tongs, and place his rock in a 5 gallon bucket of salt water at 1.05 and wait for him to exit. Then place him back in tank water in a different bucket and find a home for him!
 
Oh! I don't plan to kill it... sorry if that's the vibe I was giving off.

I'll either send him packing back to the LFS or keep it as a pet in my office.

I just want it out of my tank...
 
Ouch! No, I personally wouldn't use the gloves either. I would do as Cavalier suggests and use tongs, or something else, to lift and move the rock. I really hope you get him out of there.
 
Get the rock out and dip it in freshwater. He should scurry out real quick. Maybe use tongs to flip the rock into a rubbermade container if space and rock size allow.
 
Yes, I'm realizing the Mantis is definitely not going for the whole trap idea. So, I plan to get a 5g bucket on hand get him in that rock. Luckily, he's on the top most rock so I won't have to change my scape too much.

I'll keep you posted!!
 
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