Juvenile Peacock

[drjonnyd]

I have been waiting for the local LFS to get me a peacock mantis for a few months now. He told me he sees them but they are not big or that colorful. After waiting I asked him to get me one of what they claim to be a juvenile Peacock. I had an adult before and his colors were amazing. This on is no where near as nice. The LFS says he will color up as he gets older. I can’t seem to find anything about Mantis shrimps changing colors as they get older, but of course it does not seem unlikely. I just was wondering if anyone knew for sure. He or she is mostly green with some red around the fringes of his tail and underside. There is no blue at all. Did I get taken or do I just need to have patience?????

[jenglish]

hmmm, sorry I wish I knew.

Welcome to TRT!

There are a few mantis keepers but I haven't seen much activity in this forum in awhile.

[Smorgousford]

Peacock mantis have their colors from an early age. As they molt and grow their colors usually get darker and more subdued. Sorry.

[drjonnyd]

Wow, that sux. Not that this guy isn’t interesting to say the least, but I really had my heart set on getting another Peacock. It is a cruel world full of liars and thieves; I didn’t think they were in the Fish selling business, but I guess I was wrong. Might have to get a peacock Later and see which of the species is stronger. Might end up with a Peacock then, but might be a little inhumane. Will have to play it by ear.

[Smorgousford]

I still think a mantis that is active and interactive is way better than a colorful one that stays in his burrow all day. Good luck with your new guy!

[Smorgousford]

By the way, what's the total length of your mantis shrimp?

[drjonnyd]

He/she is about three inches total. Not real big, not real small.

[Smorgousford]

Yeah, by 3 inches they should pretty well be established with their colors. You can take a look at my 4" guy in this thread:

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f9...ml#post1523314