suprise!

rust_amandam · 09/04/2001, 08:10 AM

I have had my figi live rock since January and have add 4 small pieces with polyps since then but nothing recently other than a large anenome. Last night we spotted what we think it a mantis. The body is the right shape, it's around a 1/2 inch long and is a translucent/reddish color. Could he have stowed away in the anenome or just have been hiding for all these months? Is this really a mantis? I can't find a picture of anthing exactly like this critter.

Raszagil · 09/04/2001, 01:24 PM

You have to be a bit careful though, sometimes 'pods look alot like mantis shrimp....big "sand fleas" can look alot like tiny mantis shrimps. A picture would help tons, though they are hard to photograph, believe me I know....

sara

ISFRAEL · 09/05/2001, 06:56 AM

i was given 2 reddish mantis not long ago.
both where 1" long and smashers.
it could be possible for one to have hidden that long in a reef tank but i would double check with what raszagil said before you go crazy and rip your tank apart!

maybe check at night as this is when pods come out most!

09/04/2001, 08:10 AM	#1
rust_amandam Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	suprise! I have had my figi live rock since January and have add 4 small pieces with polyps since then but nothing recently other than a large anenome. Last night we spotted what we think it a mantis. The body is the right shape, it's around a 1/2 inch long and is a translucent/reddish color. Could he have stowed away in the anenome or just have been hiding for all these months? Is this really a mantis? I can't find a picture of anthing exactly like this critter.

09/04/2001, 01:24 PM	#2
Raszagil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Springfield, Oregon, USA Posts: 140	You have to be a bit careful though, sometimes 'pods look alot like mantis shrimp....big "sand fleas" can look alot like tiny mantis shrimps. A picture would help tons, though they are hard to photograph, believe me I know.... sara

09/05/2001, 06:56 AM	#3
ISFRAEL Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: australia Posts: 262	i was given 2 reddish mantis not long ago. both where 1" long and smashers. it could be possible for one to have hidden that long in a reef tank but i would double check with what raszagil said before you go crazy and rip your tank apart! maybe check at night as this is when pods come out most!