Oculina and Mantis from Gulf View

[rcmike]

Hello Everyone,

I finally got around to taking pictures of the Oculina(Ivory Coral) and one of the mantis that I put in my refugium. If those mantis weren't so destructive they would be in high demand. They have a heck of a personality. Anyway, here they are.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/9520oculina.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/9520mantis.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/9520mantis2.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/9520mantis3.jpg

[gflat65]

They lure you in with beauty and pretty color, then from nowhere...Bam. Do you have three of them in the same tank? How big are they? I've always been fascinated, but already have too many tanks set up (so says she with the lock on the money). Keep us posted!

[rcmike]

Yes, they are in the 30 gal. refugium. One is about 3 inches and 2 are about 2 inches long. I saw a very large golden one once at a fish store that used to be in Dickson several years ago. I wish I had gotten it but I had nowhere to put it at the time.

[reewik]

Very nice rcmike, and the tank looks good. Some new little friends you have there hey!

[fishdoc11]

They are very cool. Someday I'll have me a Mantis tank. When I get my fish room, and my 300 gallon reef tank, and my 180 gallon shark tank and my, well it's going to be awhile. My tank limit has been placed at 2 and a QT of course.
Chris

[wooglin]

You cant buy Oculina, thats a great coral. I cant believe it survived being shipped dry. Great buy!!!

[rcmike]

I was surprised at how it made it with such little damage. The only tissue loss is at the tips of the branches. The polyps have been extended every day and I have seen them grab some cyclop-eze. Hopefully it will do well. I can't seem to find too much info on them. I guess that is because you can't buy them unless they are on rock.