Help me catch a Mantis!

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by Nealio, Jun 10, 2010.

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  1. Nealio

    Nealio Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Bradenton/Tampa, Fl
    A local reefer has found a Mantis in his DT living amongst some newly aquired LR. He would like to rid himself of it, and I'd love to have it. What are some good techniques for catching them?
     
    Nealio, Jun 10, 2010
    Nealio, Jun 10, 2010
    #1

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  2. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    How about a bait fish, in a container?
     
    Seano Hermano, Jun 10, 2010
    Seano Hermano, Jun 10, 2010
    #2
  3. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

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    Use your finger as bait?

    I've heard they're too smart for most traps, but a trap is likely your only option other than a tank tear down. Shrimp or a fish would be good bait depending on what its normal diet is, in a trap that's blacked out so it doesn't feel like it has to walk out in the open.
     
    blackraven1425, Jun 10, 2010
    blackraven1425, Jun 10, 2010
    #3
  4. patrick824

    patrick824 Montipora Digitata

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    find the rock hes in, and pull it out. it is honestly sooo hard to catch them they are really intelligent. mine would never fall for traps or anything.
     
    patrick824, Jun 10, 2010
    patrick824, Jun 10, 2010
    #4
  5. loneracer05

    loneracer05 Clown Trigger

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    blacked out traps would work its most likely a smasher so fish wont do the trick, snails/ crabs are where its at for him. sadly your best best is still probably going to be a tare down :(
     
    loneracer05, Jun 10, 2010
    loneracer05, Jun 10, 2010
    #5
  6. SaltyFred

    SaltyFred Flamingo Tongue

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    +1 on the blacked out trap. I had to catch one at work and the little bugger did not seem to trust the clear too much, but I have heard of the black one working better. Just place it next to his favorite hiding spot with some bait...I have used dead crabs, live crabs, mysis, and so on. Make sure you attach some drop shots (fishing wheights) to the strip that you hold and let go to drop the door. Otherwise the door will not shut fast enough and he will hit warp speed in reverse and get out. Which leads me to another point. Do your best to get him in the first couple of tries because these guys pick up on our shenanigans real fast. Best of luck!
     
    SaltyFred, Jun 10, 2010
    SaltyFred, Jun 10, 2010
    #6

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  7. SaltyFred

    SaltyFred Flamingo Tongue

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    Forgot to add that they do not make a black trap as far as I know so you will have to improvise some color to the clear one yourself
     
    SaltyFred, Jun 10, 2010
    SaltyFred, Jun 10, 2010
    #7
  8. SaltyFred

    SaltyFred Flamingo Tongue

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    Forgot to add that they do not make a black trap as far as I know so you will have to improvise some color to the clear one yourself
     
    SaltyFred, Jun 10, 2010
    SaltyFred, Jun 10, 2010
    #8
  9. =Jwin=

    =Jwin= Tassled File Fish

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    The easiest way is to take out the rock he lives in. But that rock is probably in the worst spot on the bottom of the tank, right? ;) You could try a blacked out trap...but be darn sure you get him the first few times. They're super smart.
     
    =Jwin=, Jun 11, 2010
    =Jwin=, Jun 11, 2010
    #9