Peacock Mantis

[Dez]

My worst nightmare came true. I was in denial for about 4 or 5 months. I kept hearing a snapping sound in my tank for the last 4-5 months. No fish mysteriuously dissappearing, so I assumed it was a pistol shrimp. I walked by me tank last night and I couldn't believe it. I saw a Peacock Mantis Shrimp. One of the most beautiful creatures I've ever seen before. My heart sank though, knowing that I'd have to get him out one day and set up a nano for it. I watched it for a bit and saw it crawl into a hole in the rock near the top. I popped my hood open and pulled the rock out right away, but I think I was too slow...no mantis in the rock. It was a small rock and I could see through all available holes. I don't know when I'll ever see him again, but I've heard him for about 5 months. It's about 2" long. Beautiful. Anybody have any experience getting them out? Any style of traps work best? I'm not about to take my reef apart. It's a 150 Gallon tall tank. (48long,24 deep, 30 tall). Any suggestions? And also....what exactly is so harmful about them besides them eating small fish and killing off your hermit crab population?

Thanks so much for your help.

Desmond