Is it possible for a Mantis Shrimp to show up after 3 months???

[Pegasis]

Hi All,

I have had my tank running for about 3 months with LR (200lbs)from Tonga and during that whole time, I haven't heard and snapping noises, I didn't see anything like a Mantis Shrimp, but within the last week, I have been hearing clicking noises, usually in pairs (click, click). Is it possible that a Mantis Shrimp would have been inactive for that long without making itself known sooner?

I was told by te supplier of the LR that Mantis Shrimp are not common in the Tonga LR that he gets.

I was just curious if this is possible and if so is there any way of confirming the presence of this critter?

I would appreciate your input.

Thank you,

[FishDaddy]

Hey Pegasis,
It is entirely possible to have all sorts of critters that don't make themselves known until they grow a bit. The snapping is generally associated with Mantis or Pistol shrimp. Much better the latter than the former!
After lights out, with the room dark, try the red flashlight and see if you can see him. You might entice him out with a bit of food. If its a pistol, they are generally fine to have except for the tunnels they dig; if a Mantis, it needs to come out.
Here is the best site for all sorts of Mantis informnation and removal tips: http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/
Dick

[Alice]

I found a pistol shrimp in my small tank the size of my pinky finger nail. He was a cute little bugger.

~Alice