Some exciting hitchickers... Mantis! (pics)

One_Divided · #1 12-04-2002, 08:18 AM

Well, I finally spotted the critter that had been killing all my inverts since the move. Crushed nassarius shells all around his home. He's also taken out 2 cleaner shrimp, 2 pepermint shrimp and beats up my fish on a regular basis.

He revealed himself yesterday.. I tried the pop bottle trap and I think he just laughed at me. I did manage to catch my cylon dottyback 3 times! lol. So if I actually ever DO want to catch him, I know how. Tonight I just pulled out the mantis home, squirted some fresh water in and he jumped right out in to a bucket. Snapped some good pics before I put him in the side baffle of my sump with some LR rubble.

Here's a couple pics:

While I was at it, I went after a rock I knew had a hitchicker crab in it. I scared him out with the same technique. Let's just say they didn't get along, but no one was seriously injured.. heheh

He's kinda cute actually! I have had this hitchicker crab since the first time I ever bought live rock almost 2 years ago.. I can't beleive he's still alive and kicking! And getting kicked.. Err clubbed..

Bob I · #2 12-04-2002, 07:58 PM

Quote:

cylon dottyback 3 times!

:?: :?: :?:

Josh23 · #3 12-04-2002, 11:13 PM

very cool find.
Do you have plans for him, are you going to build a Nano.
Josh

BC_Grl · #4 12-06-2002, 02:24 AM

Adam, is that the proper name for this crab? We have the same one, too (came from your rock- lol)! Kind of cute, he is...

One_Divided · #5 12-06-2002, 08:51 AM

The shrimp is just in the sump for now.. I might just let it hang out there and see if it grows prettier with age.

Jeanna, the crab you have is from marshall island rock. Mine is from fiji. The chances of the crabs being the same species is about as likely as me being related to you. heheh

I did see your crab a couple times and I am pretty sure it's harmless.. Just an algea eater.. Keep an eye on him though.. Neat looking black one.