Now What do we have here?

[Dakafall]

FINALLY got my mantis in, after about 2-3 months of waiting, and i'm pleased with the result, (was planning on getting a P. ciliata but got some sort of smasher instead). My question is what smasher do i have? from looking at pics on Dr. Roy's list and compairing tails it looks like G. graphurus, but wanted a second opinion on that

here it is

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/Dakafall/DSC01662.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/Dakafall/DSC01659.jpg

and here's Dr. Roy's G. graphurus pic

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/malacostraca/eumalacostraca/royslist/images/g_graphurus2.jpg


just to toss it in, here's a pic of the tank

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b336/Dakafall/DSC01676.jpg
yes, i know it looks like crap lol, i had just added more sand to it, so that accounts for some of the clouding, and there's some algae on the front that i need to get rid of, no perfect by ANY means

if it is a G. graphurus, would a 20"Lx 8"W x 8"T be big enough? and is there any way to determine sex??

Thanks

[Pea-brain]

I don't believe you have a G. graphurus. It looks similar but it also has quite a few differences. If it is a graphurus then all it needs is a standard 10 gallon. As for sexing get a good look at it from the bottom. Near the tail. You should either see 2 dark spots or 2 sticks sticking in. 2 sticks=male. 2 spots=female. Try to take a pic of its meral spot. If they are orange then it is probly a graphurus

[justinl]

Note that G. glabrous and G. graphurus can be somewhat difficult to distinguish. There is a difference though. Check it out on Dr. Roy's ID page (sticky)

[Dakafall]

i got him from Quality Marine (http://www.qualitymarineusa.com) and they had him listed as a "Lime Mantis", Gonodactylaceus sp. from Eastern Asia, the reason i'm thinkin' it's not G. glabrous is that he's already 4-5" imo, (couldn't get a good measurement on him) and according to the list, glabrous only get 3ish. hope this helps

Thanks

[Thurge]

Looks like G. Chiragra to me.

[Gonodactylus]

It is Gonodactylus chiragra - probably a male.

Roy

[DanInSD]

Very cool cut-out cave -- is your new pet inhabiting it?

[Dakafall]

he hasn't really found it yet, he's still hiding in the back right, but the damsels i have in there really like it lol, hopefully he'll find it soon