When I started, I think my tank had at least 6 mantis. Now, I haven't seen one in a long time and I'm concerned that they didn't survive. I don't know why they would have perished...there should have been lots to eat. It is also possible that they've just found good private homes. They are pretty secretive when given the chance.

I still hear lots of clicks, but that could be pistol shrimps as I know there were plenty of them also. I had a pistol shrimp that was about 6mm long in a measuring cup when it "snapped" and I could not believe how loud it was from such a tiny guy. My point being that if you hear a snap, it could be a pistol shrimp that is so small you would never believe it.

Finally saw the little guy tonight after all this time!! It's a wee pistol shrimp about 1" long. Is there such a thing as a blue banded pistol shrimp? Can only find pics and info on red banded. Wanted to get a high-fin banded goby anyhow, think they would pair up?

Some pistol shrimps gets REALLY big, and start to kill inverts and fish. I'd try to catch him, and banish him to the sump.

Why not banish him AFTER or IF he shows signs of getting big? It seems that too often people are advised to remove things that could be harmless just because a related species might actually do something that some people might find problematic. I find these critters interesting and valuable. It would take a lot more than a few missing hermit crabs for me to banish a critter.

Geewiz...I just recently bought a pistol shrimp and added it to my tank on purpose. I'm disappointed that they are so shy and I rarely get to see him.

It is pretty hit'n miss on pairing up a pistol and a goby. They can be pretty specific and there would be a chance that the smaller one would end up being eaten by the larger.

Odds are I'd never be able to catch him anyhow. Hell thats the first time I even got a good look at him. However, if he got large enough to do any harm, he would be big enough to be limited in hiding spots making him easier to catch. Sure is a pretty little thing. Clear with blue bands,

I don't like them, and I'd rather not take the chance. There's nothing wrong with living in a sump...if you're a pistol shrimp or a crab. :biggrin:

I agree with Brad. oddball inverts RULE. I hate seeing people who go through Hell and back to extract harmless critters just because they dont know any better. I especially cringe when they needlessly kill the critters. I can understand exterminating aiptasia or hydroids but i would rejoice if i found a pistol (there's some very cool biology to them). put it this way, i have two tanks. both have a mantis in them :biggrin: