What if?

[spawn]

What if? Sometime after setup, like 1.5 years, you discovered a hitch hiker mantis is in your tank? Do they eat coral? Would you tear apart you tank to get them out or just let them be? A friend has recently come to find this happening to them. I think I might just let them be, even feed them as long as they don't eat all up all of the coral. WWYD?

[untamed]

Well...they don't eat coral. You don't need to be concerned about that.

Most of the ones we get are "smashers" that enjoy eating crabs, including hermits. Worst case is that you need to purchase a few more hermit crabs from time to time. Fish aren't likely in any danger.

The other type are called "spearers" and they are fish eaters. I've never actually seen a spearer in this hobby, so they are rare.

After 1.5 years without causing any trouble. I would leave him be. I tried to keep 6 or so in my main display, but for some reason they all perished...which I regret. They were fun to keep.