Lysiosquillina tridecimdentata

Obtained from - LiveAquaria.com

Size - 4 Inches (101.6 Millimeters)

Gender - Male

Status - Arrives Thursday (10.25.2012)

I was looking at my email on the Diver's Den and i saw this amazing little bugger! I knew it wasn't a Lysiosquillina maculata but it was listed as a Lysiosquillina sulcata. I remember seeing another 'Zebra' with thick arse bars on its body but i was to late on getting it. (Pictured below)

That one was more yellow! I messaged Dr. Roy right away and asked if Lysiosquillina maculata ever looked yellow. Where he replied simply, thats not a Lysiosquillina maculata but a Lysiosquillina tridecimdentata. My head spun and i wanted it! Sadly it was already sold and i had a feeling it was a female. If i bought it without thought. I'd would have had a pair! Its okay, i'll get my pair, lol. Reason i didn't get 'her' right away. Was that i already have two female Lysiosquillina maculata. I don't need a third unless its a male. 

Comparing the two images you can see the shape of the carapace are different. Above image is more rectangular compared to the second image.  First image show larger eyes and raptorial appendage, where the second image has smaller eyes and raptorial appendage isn't seen. Again, i won't know until i get 'him' and look underneath for it's gonads. 

The one i bought which is the first image, the Lysiosquillina tridecimdentata was collected in the Indian Ocean. 'It's' only just four inches and i'm assuming it has a long life a head. I only hope that the Lysiosquillina tridecimdentata is as hardy as the  Lysiosquillina maculata .

Gonodactylaceus graphurus

Obtained from - BlueZooAquatics.com

Size - 1.5 Inches (38.1 Millimeters)

Gender - Female

Status - Arrives Tuesday (07.24.2012)

Finally! I got a Gonodactylaceus graphurus. Plus its a female. She's rather small but better then being near full size. This one has really amazing patterns. I had just placed her in her new home, will get a video up of that later on.

The lighting given for her from BlueZoo made her look to have a darker pattern, however, in actual her pattern is more on the brown side. Gave her two large shells as homes and few small Onyx Nassarius Snail for food. She has quickly made her self at home. Not shy at all and has already explored and hunted a snail. Good signs! Hope to have her fore a long time! :)

Some of my own pictures when i got her.

Gonodactylus platysoma

Obtained from - BlueZooAquatics.com

Size - 2.5 Inches (63.5 Millimeters)

Gender - Female

Status - Arrives Tuesday (06.19.2012)

This would be my third Gonodactylus platysoma. The first two died, sadly. So the third should be the charm? This one is the darkest i have had. So i hope this one lives log as its also the smallest i have had too. I really like this species, they look amazing face to face. The pictures never do them justice!

Again, need a name!

So 'she' arrived! I thought it was a male but ended up being female. Not complaining, just surprised by it is all.

Gonodactylaceus ternatensis

Obtained from - BlueZooAquatics.com

Size - 3 Inches (76.2 Millimeters)

Gender - Male

Status - Arrives Tuesday (06.19.2012)

I told my self i wasn't going to get another Gonodactylaceus ternatensis, it be just the female. Now after having the female. I started to like her! Very active and curious! So, i wanted a male. So i'd have a pair. He wasn't what i wanted...there was a smaller male for sale but was sold right before i was going to get him. Then this guy appeared the next day. His three inches a bit larger the the female. No biggie and its not like i'm going to have them mate. 

Isn't he kinda ugly? Now for a name, lol. 

So, he just arrived and i think his the largest Gonodactylaceus ternatensis i ever gotten. His not very photogenic....it was very hard getting pictures of him.

See! Dark little bugger but i still like him :)

  

Odontodactylus scyllarus 

Indonesian Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Obtained from - LiveAquaria.com

Size - 3 Inches (76.2 Millimeters)

Gender - Male
Name - 'Hutch'

Status - Arrives Tuesday (06.19.2012)

I got the email for the Diver's Den and for once a decent looking Peacock caught my attention. So, it would be like my 100th Peacock Mantis. I miss having an Odontodactylus japonicus and this Odontodactylus scyllarus is close enough. I'm debating on a name for this little bugger... between Lilith for a female and Hutch for a male. Which both those names i was reserving for a future(, however, unlikely  Odontodactylus japonicus.) 

I have this 55 Gallon Display Refugium with my large multi tank system and i'm tired of seeing two fish and nothing much else of activity. So i will try it out in having this Peacock there. If not i'll move it to a 30 Long Gallon tank. So, i hope it gets along with my Yellow Stripe Maroon Clown. I don't care if it eats the six line, lol just not the clown! Its a big risk! However, confident enough to try it. My very first Peacock had stayed with this very same Maroon clown. So, i hope the temperament of this small three inch Peacock would be docile.

Might even for the moment put it in the sump to observe its temperament. Well i do have the weekend to set up the 30 gallon, I know it won't cycled in time. I did planned to plumb together the small system to the large system and with the overall water volume of the large system. Basically... i cheated and would be in away it would be cycled, lol.

The female i was expecting ended up being, a male. So his name is Hutch! I will treat this one like a King. I shale place my love in this bugger, in the same way i had for Queen Alice. 

Video Update

(Don't like music, mute before playing.)

iBluewater.com

Opening thoughts – Their website doesn’t do them justice! Not saying their website is bad looking, lol. What I mean they as a company can offer so much more. Just simply, that you just need to ask them. What you want they likely have, if they don’t have what you want. They likely can get it for you. Most of the times in a very good timely fashion.

Customer Service & Knowledge – I don’t know, his like superman to me. Bob that is, lol. My only contact whom I have ever spoken to and exchanged emails with is Bob. He knows what his talking about, if he doesn't he will find out. His direct and more importantly is personable! You can build trust with this guy. Your not just a number but treated as a person. Bob values each customer and this to me makes me want to return and become one of many loyal customers of iBluewater.com. They are the closest thing to Stomatopod.com to my opinion. I trust him. That alone says a lot coming from me. 

With my first order with him... What gets me(, lol) and makes me wonder. How he can be able to call me about the package arriving safely. If we are in different time zones(, a difference of three hours.) Like the package arrives at 10am, at most it must be like 8am in California. I think that's pretty cool, what customer representative would call you and that early? At least for me its always me calling them and if their from the other side of the country i would typically would wait till noon pass to call.   

(91%) Mantis Shrimps – They can identify the Stomatopods, most of them and that's pretty good. What they don’t know, similar to Stomatopod.com they can contact Dr. Roy. A good connection and advantage. So, at least you are more likely to get what you seek. Not this mystery Mantis, lol. Like in some places...they state your getting a 'Peacock' but in reality it was a Gonodactylus chiragra, lol.  

Availability & Variety – From looking at they’re site, my first impression was disappointment. Their site doesn’t express who they are. The more you work with them, more you learn what they can offer. My disappointment changed to being impressed.  They have a large specialty of Clownfish!

"Our site was made the de facto clownfish site by all the reviews posted by clownfish enthusiast and clownfish breeders who had previously bought clownfish from us. The deeper story is  that between my business partners and I we have practically every species of clownfish including very rare clownfish variants we also know a great deal about anemones. We study and document clownfish both in captivity and in the wild. We are proud that all our research and hard work on clownfish has paid off handsomely. However as mentioned above we carry a wide and expanding range of saltwater critters." ~ Bob

Another thing that Bob didn't mention in that statement. They offer pairs and what rocks my mind. Is that its pairing of different species of Clownfish, which they call it 'Haute Couture'.


What I learned is that you only need TO ASK them what you want. Bob will get it for you! Rare is their key word. If you like shinny objects like a mermaid but is looking for that extra  shine. iBluewater.com is your new best friend.

Recently I asked Bob if he could get me a Golden Midas Blenny. I bet your thinking I can get that at any place. Yes! BUT, what I was looking for, were characteristics that are not often seen. I rarely see a perfectly equal and EXTRA long tail. Bob got me this fucking amazing Midas Blenny. (Sorry, please excuse my colorful word. Profanity gives that little ‘oomph’ to things, lol) Not only having an extra long tail as I wanted. It had other characteristics…like it had a nice black strip on the top fin. There was a nice hint of blue hue on it’s tummy. Something I had read about but never seen. I took a video of her but it don’t give what I describe justice! Video of the Amazing Midas Blenny.

(95%) Mantis Shrimps – So they provide everything that the other companies I have mentioned in my Blog and more. They can even get you those rare ones on Dr. Roy’s list. Those I know they have obtained are the Haptosquilla hamifera , Raoulserenea komaii and Tetrasquilla mccullochae. 

Pricing – Some are fairly priced, but they are a bit pricy. However, with them you KNOW it’s quality. Plus with rare items expect to pay a lot. Just imagine how much time, and money is spent obtaining and or breeding their stock. Also want to add, that Bob is very flexible about payment. Like I’m more comfortable in paying in small amounts with larger orders. That’s a rare bonus. Well, how I see it his very personable, which is a two sided coin. You both build trust with one another and its give in take. I think that’s cool. I’d personally would be more likely to keep coming back for his services. Would you?

(50%) Mantis Shrimps – The most common ones are pricy but some I have gotten that were fair. The rare ones they get expect them to be pricy. (How I see it, if your not willing to pay for our expensive hobby. Your not likely willing to do your best to keep your investment alive. However, as a customer your always looking for a bargain. Just be smart and do your research....)

Policy & Procedures – The quarantine time is eight weeks for all fish and four weeks for all inverts that they offer. Bob will nearly always provide you a photo(s). Of the actual picture of the very same item you will get. They can HOLD your items, for a maximum of one month, provided with a reasonable explanation on your part. Nice! They have a guarantee, “We guarantee all our marine life to Arrive Alive. No other guarantees are expressed or implied.” However, IF any item(s), photo required of the deceased. They will give store credit of the price of the item(s), valid for one year. More on their terms & conditions.

Packaging & Shipping – Their packaging is simplistic and well done. At first I found it a bit too simple, wish they would add some fillers to keep the items from moving about in the box. At least my first package was like that, however, the next order they packed it better. I think it might depend on which shipping method was chosen. They ship internationally! So, I don’t question to much on how they pack their items. What I care about is that they look healthy and arrive alive. Which, is true with them as far. 

Shipping, what is nice! It isn’t JUST FedEx! Bob can offer you many options, “...to the contiguous United States is $50.00 per box of up to 10 lbs billable weight, shipped by FedEx, UPS, or USPS.” Since I live on the opposite side of the United States, he offered me an option for air freight. It’s the same $50 and all you do is pick it up your self at the nearest airport. It was much easier then I expected and I would take this option from now on. What’s nice it’s available on Saturdays!

Advertisement – Their website is simple and clean, however again it doesn’t promote the quality that they are known for. How i see it...you provide quality stock, so provide higher resolution photos of them. Also, I think if they had a FaceBook it would put them more out there. Just a thought of things to get them out there, shrugs. (I have a background in the Arts & Design. lol)

Conclusion – I like them! I think I have nearly found my replacement for Stomatopod.com. Well, nothing could fill the shoes of Stomatopod.com but their a good runner up for your Mantis Shrimp needs. I highly recommend them for both Stomatopods and your Marine needs!

Mantis Shrimps – (78.67%) Approved!

BlueZooAquatics.com

Opening thoughts – They are a very good runner up or maybe even as good by their own. They got some good prices and sales! Also I think their a bit better then LiveAquaria.com with Mantis Shrimps.

Customer Service & Knowledge – They’re customer service representative at the time, was this nice lady. I think the woman mentioned that she use to work with LiveAquaria.com. She said they were like them but they wanted to give a more personal Customer Service. She was very helpful and was willing to help in anything that I needed. However, that was years ago and something changed about them. The ‘personal’ touch I was use to had toned downed, however, hasn’t changed too much in their service.

Today’s BlueZooAquatics.com gives an impression that they have a smaller Customer Service team. I have emailed and or spoken to the same group of people. Unlike LiveAquaria.com there is always a different person and never the same one. Again I like talking to the same person(s), to me it builds trust. Shrugs. The guy I seem to always speak to now his a bit rude. Or blunt. His okay to speak to…tolerable but most importantly the bottom line is if there is any problems with your order, his accommodating.

(52%) Mantis Shrimps – From there website they seem Knowledgeable about their stock and to my opinion about the same as LiveAquaria.com. They have some kinks to work out on… Like, I called to ask about a Lysiosquillina maculata…wanted to know about its exact size and what gender it might be. I mentioned to the guy I spoke to, that I was looking for a male for a pairing project. He said that BlueZooAquatics.com are in to things like this and would be willing to help. I mentioned to him that I have email about that Lysiosquillina maculata that was listed. He said that the stock department gets a lot of emails and that eventually they will answer in due time. He also gave me an option to be forwarded to the stock department by phone. The person never picked up and I left my inquiry. I never got a reply, ether by email or by phone. Another instance was I was asking for additional pictures for an item I just bought from them. I did get a reply back from the stock guy, stating he would send one over the following day. However, I never got a picture.

They’re knowledge about Mantis Shrimps are about the same to LiveAquaria.com. Their was another purchase I made that they listed another ‘possible’ Gonodactylaceus glabrous. I like that BlueZooAquatics.com mentioned that they were unsure. Vs. those other sites saying it is, when in reality it isn’t. The Gonodactylaceus glabrous as it turned out to be a Pseudosquilla ciliata. Based on that, I take it they don’t know much about Mantis Shrimps. Plus I can’t really confirm their knowledge as I can’t contact their stock representative. Shrugs, I’m put off about companies that don’t communicate with their customers. However, if there is any problems with your order, they are accommodating. I still like them as a company. I would order with them again and still do but I won’t expect them to answer any of Mantis Shrimp questions.

Availability & Variety – Fish, Inverts, & Corals they have a good amount of choices and they have a WYSIWYG that they call Collector's Choice. Where I often visit as they give a nice selection now and then.

(87%) Mantis Shrimps – They actually get a lot of Stomatopods, which is a bonus. Provided that they can properly identify it and those they can are often these species. Gonodactylaceus glabrous, Gonodactylaceus ternatensis, Gonodactylellus viridis, Gonodactylus chiragra, Gonodactylus platysoma, Gonodactylus smithii, Lysiosquillina maculata, Odontodactylus scyllarus and Pseudosquilla ciliata. They get them fairly somewhat available… I say this cause they do get it a bit more often then LiveAquaria.com.

Pricing – I like their pricing ::: Smiles ::: most of the time their pricing is amazing. Some of their Corals can get expensive too and if anything doesn’t sale out, they reduce the price. 

(91%) Mantis Shrimps - Especially on the Mantis Shrimps but for the more common one that are more sought after can get pricy but not by much.

Policy & Procedures – Not sure if they offer holding animals, however, they do have an option when you want your order shipped. I think that’s better then nothing. They have a 7 day guarantee, half of LiveAquaria.com. If anything should die a photo and rarely the body is required to get store credit. This is valid for one year. They will only give refunds when something form your order goes out of stock. Sometimes if there is an issue with the carrier, FedEx. BlueZooAquatics.com would possibly give a offer a discount for the inconvenience. (At least once as I recall for me).

Packaging & Shipping – I don’t know why, shrugs. With BlueZooAquatics.com’s FedEx is better compared to LiveAquaria.com shipping with FedEx, lol. It’s the same carrier but I get no issues with them when  it comes from BlueZooAquatics.com. They have a flat rate of $39.99 for overnight by 10:30am. I’m never disappointed.

They package your order pretty well, not as extravagant as LiveAquaria.com but it gets your live stock safely to your door! Plus they give out a FREE Care Package. Its basically four things, 1. Acclimation Guide, 2. Drip Line, 3. Stress Guard sample and they're Blue Zoo Mix food sample. (Lately, they haven’t been adding this package with my last two orders.)  

Advertisement – I like their website more then LiveAquaria.com, its simple and CLEAN. Easy to navigate through, however, the photos I wish were higher resolution. Design wise I enjoy looking at it promotes they’re company well. No FaceBook that I know of.

Conclusion – I get most of live stock ether by them and LiveAquaria.com. The prices and sales are more likely better. They get in Mantis Shrimps more often and are better priced. I enjoy the selections in the Collector's Choice. I still highly recommend them :)

Mantis Shrimps – (76.67%) 

As of 03.22.2012, my Stomatopod collection consist of (1) males + (8) females = '9'

Gonodactylaceus glabrous 

+ Male - 'Adam', 2.6" from Indonesia

+ Female - 'Eve', 2.25" from Philippines

Gonodactylus platysoma 

+ Female "???", 3" from Indonesia

Gonodactylaceus ternatensis: Female - '???', 2.5" from Indonesia

Gonodactylus smithii: Female - '???', 2" from Indonesia

Lysiosquillina maculata 

+ Female - 'Anthea', 6" from Indonesia

+ Female - 'Ghanima', 5.75" from Balinese

Pseudosquilla ciliata: Female - '??', 2" from  Indo-Pacific

Raoulserenea komaii: Female - '???', 2.5" from South Pacific 

Gonodactylaceus ternatensis

Obtained from - BlueZooAquatics.com

Size - 2.5 Inches (63.5 Millimeters)

Gender - Female

Status - Arrives Tuesday (03.27.2012)

So, i didn't expect to get another Gonodactylaceus ternatensis. I don't like them but i don't hate them ether. Reason i bought her was because she is a female. I have no idea why i like most of my animals in this case Mantis Shrimp to be female. There are some species i am interested in obtaining a male but not in this one, lol. 

BlueZooAquatics.com posted her this morning with the headline of 'Orange Spot Mantis Shrimp with Eggs'. Yes, the eggs got my attention but i don't expect the eggs to hatch. If they so happen to i wouldn't be able to rase them. However, it be cool to see the buggers. :)

Isn't she pretty! Now for a name, lol. :::: In deep thought :::::

  

LiveAquaria.com (Doctor Foster & Smith)

Opening thoughts – Their the best in anything Freshwater, Brackish, & Saltwater of Online Companies to my opinion. If I could compare them to the Computer Industry…they are like Apple and all the other companies are like PCs, lol. Mantis Shrimp wise, they do get some in but they don’t specialize in it.

Customer Service & Knowledge – They give out a very corporate professional feel but sometimes makes you feel like a number. (Personally, what I like about companies is how they are personal to their customers.) They have a customer service team to answer all your questions and or concerns. Again they remind me of how Apple’s website, lol. If they don’t have the answers for you, they will get back to you and forward your questions to the right departments. They’re knowledgeable in their products and will recommend you the best for your personal situation. They even have a website dedicated to articles of the animals they sell and or products. (Link - www.peteducation.com)

(46%) Mantis Shrimps – They know enough but not as much detail as one would like. Or they know what’s the general information one could find on the web. They can identify some species, I’ll give them that but not perfect. Also they can't gender the Stomatopods for you and if you ask, they simply can't. If you request for an additional photos to sex the animal yourself. The picture(s) isn't always given, unless you buy the item in question. Then they do their best to get it out to you before your shipment is sent out. So, its more like a surprise when you get it, lol. (Sorry, I don't like surprises and sometimes even the good ones.) 

Availability & Variety – Fish, Inverts, Coral…etc. you name it they got it. Or if they don’t you can go to their section that you can submit a request. (Link - Will post it when i find it...) However, it isn’t guaranteed that what you request would appear. I think its possibly like a combination of a survey. The more of a particular species is requested, those are likely they would obtain over those are not as requested? Shrugs, or possibly in combination of availability from their collectors. I would like to add that they have a section called The Diver’s Den. Its what they call their WYSIWYG. They have a very large stock you can choose from that is first come first serve. How it works... place it in your cart and check out as soon as you can. if you don't check out right away other customers can buy it.

(76%) Mantis Shrimps – They have an okay variety of Stomatopods, I assume they don’t exactly hunt for any particular Mantis Shrimp species. I guess its ether what they find in collecting or what hitchhiked in their live rock. What I did notice…often they post of two species, however, do get other types. The two I see most of the time are Lysiosquillina maculata and Odontodactylus scyllarus. Many of them are not as vibrant as you would have found in Stomatopod.com. Also the animals come in all different health circumstances, not always in the best condition. Like a few come in as having appendages missing or damage and or possibly with shell rot. Moderately you do get a good condition Mantis Shrimp. They get a lot of Lysiosquillina maculata (sometime in pairs) or species that look like your typical Zebra Mantis. They can’t exactly tell the difference between species just the general appearance. Availability of Stomatopods are not often and are likely seasonal and or whatever their collectors gather during that time.

Pricing – I think its fairly reasonable. I seen in other places they have scary prices for common items. Where in LiveAquaria.com I think it’s a great place to get your live stock for Reefing, FOWLR, Brackish, and Freshwater.

(86%) Mantis Shrimps – What I did notice from the ‘Diver’s Den’, when its new to the site the price is pretty good and they disappear quickly. The more the particular item is popular. The price goes up on the next listing... (A good price of a Peacock from my experience should be from $50 to $80. Any more then that its over priced, unless they looked like Peacocks that were found in Stomatopod.com.) With LiveAquaria.com I think the price is fair but lately their quality is a bit on the poor side. 

Policy & Procedures – They have NO Holding of animals and are typically sent out the next day or two days. So when you order from ether facility your system better be set up or you have a temporary system ready. They have an amazing guarantee!

Packaging & Shipping – They have two facilities and each place they package your shipment differently. Both do a amazing job with the same materials. Such as Cardboard with Insulated Styrofoam box with peanuts, cold or heat packs and are double bagged. From the Diver’s Den that ships from their Wisconsin facility. They do a much better job in bagging and packing your shipment. Its just more tidy compared to the California facility. I don’t know, I find it odd my self. Like in the Wisconsin facility you order just a few items it arrives to you as if you order a lot. The box is huge and each item is ‘oh’ber’ bagged with not two but three or more bags and also sometimes put some Chaeto. WOW. Its really professional, like before when I ordered from them it wasn’t like that. Wasn’t so extraordinary…actually, if I remember I only saw that kind of packing from Stomatopod.com. When Stomatopod.com started becoming more popular that’s when I saw LiveAquaria.com packing their shipment in the same manner.

They ship by FedEx by ether Next Day Air by 3:00 pm in most areas at a price of  $34.99, which use to be $24.99, long ago (but since fuel cost had gone up so their prices at LiveAquaria.com). They also have FedEx Priority Overnight by 10:30 am in most area (but from my experience from FedEx in my area, Zip 22153 ::: Glares at you! ::: They haven’t been recently arriving at 10:30 am or before noon. It would appear on the FedEx Status website that it said it arrived on time but it isn’t at my door. So FedEx needs to see what’s going on with that.) Pricing for Priority Overnight is $44.99 it’s a nice option if you prefer to get your packages in the morning. They do offer Saturday delivery for $57.49. More information can be found here. I have requested them to have other options but all I get is. Thank you for your email we have forward your comments to the what not department that they have for that

Advertisement – Like I said their very corporate professional like. They have a very well established website that links to all their products and sites together. (Links - DrsFosterSmith.com, LiveAquaria.com, & PetEducation.com) They have a Mail in Catalog and email system. Also, I guess what makes up for the impersonal feel would be they're FaceBook page. They're websites are nice, clean and well made. I got a small issue with it a bit, as it slightly hard to navigate around. I saw this because they have a lot of information and details and sometimes I find it hard to locate some information, however, you can always email the Customer service them to tell you or help you located it.

They take a photo of the animal of a dorsal and or side view and sometime with close ups. The quality of the image is okay but better then most places but nothing as good as Stomatopod.com. They have a small description of physical traits and where it was collected from. I would actually enjoy seeing a longer description of the item but I guess it isn’t as important as it would be bought quickly.

Conclusion – I will compare all my Saltwater companies to LiveAquaria.com. Since it has been the best i have seen as far. I find LiveAquaria.com very professional and they offer amazing quality in all their products & live stock. I highly recommend them!

Average Total (69.33%) Mantis Shrimps – With the exception of the Mantis Shrimps...its a hit or miss and I hope they can locate more variety and quality of the Stomatopod specimens in the future.