Dr. Caldwell: Can you ID this smasher?

[orkspace]

This smasher is around 3" long. I've had it for around 3 months -- no molt thusfar. Three days ago it captured and ate a yellow tail damsel, so I know that its appetite is good at least. There are two pairs of orange and blue spots on the front and rear parts of the animal's abdomen. These spots contrast sharply with the overall green mottled coloration of the animal. Could they be defensive eye spots designed to startle predators?

Also, do you have any hints on care for this animal? In addition to the single damsel it caught, the bug has been eating frozen silversides and frozen cocktail shrimp.

Is this animal as sensitive to nitrate as O. sycllarus?

Thanks in advance!

Daniel Neal

[orkspace]

One more image of the smasher:

[judo1]

looks like one that Fcamdog caught not long ago

[judo1]

check this out:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43044

ciliata mantis?

[Gonodactylus]

This one is easy. It is Gonodactylus platysoma, a common reef flat gonodactylid from the Central and western Pacific. It grows to about 8 cm and can range in color from green to light tan, but it is always mottled and the orange spots on the side are absolutely diagnostic.

Roy

[Death Shrimp99]

Nice Mantis, look great. Where did ya get that one from?

[orkspace]

I got the bug from a great store in Hayward, CA called Aquarium Concepts. Best store in the Bay Area, IMHO. I believe that he was $8.00.

[orkspace]

One more thing -- is there a common name for this species?

[Gonodactylus]

Not that I know of.

Roy