Can a mantis kill Damsels

Jacuzzi · 12/18/2009, 02:33 PM

Heres my question in my 40 gallon I used to have 5 damsels a peppermint shrimp and a camel shrimp along with CUC. So I just took the damsels and camel back but to the LFS and there was only four damsels left (been in the tank for about 8 months). Also my peppermint is gone. I have found some remians of legs or hermits but thought It was normal die off. Now my wrasse has wounds on him and will most likely be dead when I get home today and he was just put in the tank a few days ago.

So what should I do? I dont want to tear my tank apart but whatever it is has to die. I dont hear any clicking but also sleep like a rock so I dont know. I am going to do lights out tonight and wait to see if I can catch him moving around to identify but just wanted other thoughts cause I hate losing animals. Also is a mantis fast enough to catch a damsel? and if its one why did it kill my peppermint and not my camel? Thanks

PSU21Reef · 12/18/2009, 02:49 PM

You'll get better responses in the mantis forum, but yeah they can kill damsels.

billsreef · 12/18/2009, 03:25 PM

Mantis shrimp are quite predatory, so if you do have in, it could easily be doing what your describing. As to why the peppermint before the camel, just a matter of opportunity

buffalo123 · 12/18/2009, 07:24 PM

Yes they can

Zebodog · 12/18/2009, 07:31 PM

You can purchase traps to capture mantis, or make one yourself. A quick search on RC will uncover many threads devoted to capturing mantis shrimp.
Mantis are very intelligent and wary so patience is usually required, especially if there is live food elsewhere in the tank.
You may also have some form of xanthid crab on the loose - they can be holy terrors when large.
Do you see a pile of rocks somewhere? That could signify a mantis burrow.

12/18/2009, 02:33 PM	#1
Jacuzzi Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 278	Can a mantis kill Damsels Heres my question in my 40 gallon I used to have 5 damsels a peppermint shrimp and a camel shrimp along with CUC. So I just took the damsels and camel back but to the LFS and there was only four damsels left (been in the tank for about 8 months). Also my peppermint is gone. I have found some remians of legs or hermits but thought It was normal die off. Now my wrasse has wounds on him and will most likely be dead when I get home today and he was just put in the tank a few days ago. So what should I do? I dont want to tear my tank apart but whatever it is has to die. I dont hear any clicking but also sleep like a rock so I dont know. I am going to do lights out tonight and wait to see if I can catch him moving around to identify but just wanted other thoughts cause I hate losing animals. Also is a mantis fast enough to catch a damsel? and if its one why did it kill my peppermint and not my camel? Thanks

12/18/2009, 03:25 PM	#3
billsreef Moderator 10 & Over Club Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY/North Miami Posts: 36,538	Mantis shrimp are quite predatory, so if you do have in, it could easily be doing what your describing. As to why the peppermint before the camel, just a matter of opportunity __________________ Bill "LOL, well I have no brain apparently. " - dc (Debi) Current Tank Info: Far too many tanks according to my wife, LOL.

12/18/2009, 02:49 PM	#2
PSU21Reef Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: State College Posts: 123	You'll get better responses in the mantis forum, but yeah they can kill damsels.

12/18/2009, 07:24 PM	#4
buffalo123 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,092	Yes they can

12/18/2009, 07:31 PM	#5
Zebodog Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 692	You can purchase traps to capture mantis, or make one yourself. A quick search on RC will uncover many threads devoted to capturing mantis shrimp. Mantis are very intelligent and wary so patience is usually required, especially if there is live food elsewhere in the tank. You may also have some form of xanthid crab on the loose - they can be holy terrors when large. Do you see a pile of rocks somewhere? That could signify a mantis burrow.