Mantis Menace

[Southpaw]

I have a what I believe to be a Mantis shrimp in my tank. I got a good look at him today. He is purple with green legs!!! Any suggestions on how to catch him. He is fast and doesn't stay in one spot long.

[leebca]

I moved your post into the Reef Forum where it should get more attention.

Good luck!

[Chasman]

You can buy the "X-Terminator mantis shrimp trap" from UltraLife or for almost free you can make a trap pictured below out of a plastic water bottle.

[Doodaa]

lol Chasman...I have a furnace filter sitting against my counter cupboards exactly like you do in that second picture!!!

[Chasman]

Well Doodaa; I saw that too in the picture and I was hoping nobody would notice. Oh well, it happened to be filter day. At least we change them. Nice cat by the way. I like cats.

Chas.

[metalhead]

I have a what I believe to be a Mantis shrimp in my tank. I got a good look at him today. He is purple with green legs!!! Any suggestions on how to catch him. He is fast and doesn't stay in one spot long.

Neat creatures aren't they? Too bad they create utter havoc in a reef system. I never had much luck with the traps but it is definately worth a shot.

I finally caght mine by removing the rock he was in (I saw his eyes sticking out one day by chance) and dipping it in a bucket of fresh water... He came shooting right out! After that I relocated the little nasty to my sump where he resided until I eventually traded him for some coral.

Yes, there is a market for these guys, especially the harlequin varieties which it sounds like you may have based on your description. Check out the mantis shrimp section on reefcentral when you get a chance, alot of people keep these guys and can I see why - great personalities and lots fun to observe and feed.

Good luck!