New project, maybe mantis tank?

[eyecancer]

I recently acquired a 50 gallon commercial glass aquarium (3/4" thick I believe) and I'm wildly fascinated with the mantis shrimp. I'll be constructing my own stand and sump as this will be a true project of mine, but while it's in the middle of the night I would like to do some research.

I like colors, personality, and activity. If it isn't docile enough to handle is fine, though I might not want a broken hand if I decide to move some LR.

[Smorgousford]

Check these places out for information and purchasing:

www.stomatopod.com

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthrop...raca/royslist/

[geffhardy1]

A mantis shrimp will make a great pet. Their are a few different species you can deal with. Their are two type of mantis shrimp. Smashers and spearers. . I have a Pseudosquilla ciliata (spearer) mantis and he is very active during the day and loves to hunt live food. Spearers need softer food like shrimp and small fish. Smashers should be feed live food once a week because they can loose their smashers during molting if they do not use them. Spearers hunt more like a lion. If you want your mantis to be able to dig a burrow regular sand with not be sticky enough. You will have to add mud. You can get a pvc pipe as an alternet burrow.

Ps. Dont believe what most people say . Mantis shrimp make great pets and dont think you are going to get smashed every time you put your hand in the tank. I would not advise hand feeding .