Mantis observations
I have now seen the mantis within reach of a small fish on many occasions. The mantis has never shown any interest in attack. (Mantis and fish are about equal in size - 1.5") One time, the fish landed right on the back of the mantis. The fish has also evicted the mantis from one of his holes, so it would seem that the fish is the boss.
Last night, I also watched one run right into a group of a dozen camel shrimp. I expected to see some real natural hunting behaviour but....They were nose-to-nose for a few minutes before the mantis decided to move on. The shrimp didn't seem the least bit concerned about him.
I hear them hunting, but I have yet to see what they are eating. I suspect that they are taking hermit crabs and snails.
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400 gal reef. Established April, 2007. 3 Sequence Dart, RM12-4 skimmer, 2 x OM4Ways, Yellow Tang, Maroon Clown (pair), Blonde Naso Tang, Vlamingi Tang, Foxface Rabbit, Unicorn Tang, 2 Pakistani Butterflies and a few coral gobies
My Tank: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=28436
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