A 55G link in the Golden Chain

[Craig Manoukian]

My Flashers cocooned in the sand from lights out 'till lights on, sounds like that's prime mantis patrolling time. You know your tank best though.

[Melanie]

Craig has a good point. Some of those fish you like are very expensive and boy that would suck if your mantises (manti?) ate your new fish at night.

[goldenmean]

I will definately be taking that into considerations.
I didnt know that about Wrasses

[Dentoid]

This is directly out of "Reef Invertebrates.." by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner.

While some larger species of mantis shrimps pose a legitimate threat to desirable livestock in an aquarium, some incidentally acquired species that "show up" with live rock are really little trouble or cause for concern. Oftentimes, the drab little brown or green species like Gonodactylaceus falcatus and Pseudosquilla ciliata pose little likeihood of ruining your day, with an adult size of 2". Some small invertebrates may indeed be at risk (like snails), but there is no dire need to call off work, hide the children, or call in troops to seek and destroy the invader. It is just a little stomatopod after all...Rest assured that such species are less of a risk to your fishes that a common carpet anemone of elephant ear corallimorph.

Unfortunately, I got rid of my mantis shrimps before I got this book, otherwise I would have kept them! Don't worry about them eating your fish!

[goldenmean]

I have read that before Scott.
I believe mantis - like hermit crabs - have gotten a bad rap based on fear hype. I dont buy into it. But I could see a cocooning wrasse being at some risk.
Worth taking into consideration but
From what I have seen of my manti they are very timid.

So any other fish suggestions?

[Craig Manoukian]

Thanks Scott!

[Craig Manoukian]

I love Gobies. A half dozen Rainsfords or a Citron Goby would be sweet.

[goldenmean]

Craig I was not familiar with the rainsford goby at all.
I googled them and came up with this old thread of yours
rainsford-goby-experts.

They are pretty cool looking. I Like.
A little school of them. hmmmm.

[kathywithbirds]

I know what you said about more clowns, but I've got a couple BW saddlebacks (not together yet, one's too small) and an orange skunk. The color variations are really neat and each type has it's own "clown dance." I'm becoming a fan. They wouldn't go for your rock nem, would they? I don't think I've ever seen that listed as a hosting nem.

[goldenmean]

Thanks Kathy.
I do like my clowns and the b/w saddlebacks are very interesting.
I dont think they would host in the flower nem.

[Melanie]

There are a couple of people here who keep mantis shrimp. I'm interested to see what fish they keep with them.

I'm still scared and locking up the children and calling in the troops if I see one. he he he.

[goldenmean]

I'm still scared and locking up the children and calling in the troops if I see one. he he he.

LOL.
Please someone think of the children...
See that is what I am talking about when i say Fear Hype.
Mantis - at least my little guys - could never live up to their reputation.

[Craig Manoukian]

Go Rainsfords, just msake sure their tank mates are not overly aggressive.

[Dentoid]

I like the Rainsford goby too!

[GeeWizzItsMe]

Bicolor or midas blenny! When they perch it is SO cute! They kinda breathe hard, and you can see their big eyes and little antennae! I wish I got one instead of one of my other fish!