Mantis Shrimp

[ellebelle]

What does a mantis shrimp sound like in a tank?

After the lights went off tonight, I noticed a weird cracking sound from inside my tank. I thought it was just a snail that got too close to a powerhead and was cracking his shell against the glass. I can't find any snails that close to a powerhead though.

 

[marrone]

If it happen after the light went off it's probably a Pistol Shrimp. They're actually quite loud and you can hear them in the next room some times.

 

[Wes]

hmmm...weird cracking noises and disappearing fish...sounds like it could be a mantis

 

[JHOV2324]

I think if it were a mantis...more than one fish would have dissappeared....yeah i can hear my pistol shrimp in the next room....but if u had one...your sand bed would look like dunes...

 

[masterswimmer]

I think if it were a mantis...more than one fish would have dissappeared....yeah i can hear my pistol shrimp in the next room....but if u had one...your sand bed would look like dunes...

HOV, she's lost two fish........unexplained.

swimmer

 

[tosiek]

Have you been finding any empty/cracked snail shells around? think thats another sign.

 

[ellebelle]

I have not put any pistol shrimp intentionally in my tank. I don't have sand, I have crushed coral (one of the many reasons for my impending tank change) but it doesn't seem particularly disturbed.

I haven't found any cracked snail shells that I've noticed, but I have seen a bunch of empty ones. Then again, I've got about 10 hermit crabs in there, so that could very easily explain it.

I did a little reading on mantis shrimp, and it sounds like the kind that hitchhike on our rocks are the small, "smashing" variety that feed on shrimp, crabs and other crustaceans. It's the larger, "piercing" variety that feed on fish.

http://www.aquariumfish.com/aquariumfish/detail.aspx?aid=3160&cid=3790&search=

Of course, none of that explains the weird night clicking.

 

[Tito]

You probably have a Mantis Shrimp - contrary to popular opinion - Mnatis Shrimp also make a loud snapping noise! I know - I heard the sound after buying some new live rock one time and after looking for the source I found a nasty little Mantis Shrimp LOL

Oh, I should add a few fish had some clipped fins!

 

[JHOV2324]

Have you ever read The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe....

Instead of tapping..your hearing clicking...nevermore!!!! Muwahahahahaha