Stomatopods as Pests

Is a mantis shrimp bad for your setup?

If you plan on including fish and other invertebrates such as crabs, hermit crabs, etc in your tank, then the answer is an unequivocal yes. Since most tropical marine organisms are relatively expensive to purchase, the continued loss of specimens would definitely make even the most mild-mannered aquarist into a would-be "Rambo" mantis hunter and killer. Some comments gleaned from the web (stripped of addresses to protect identity):

"I am sorry to discourge you not to put that "devil" into your tank! That damn thing is really a pain. About two years ago, I had a 4.5" M. Shrimp in my 150 gallon tank (By accident only). It killed my baby lemon shark and ate every 'move' stuffs in my tank. After it ate everythings in the tank, it even crack the glass of my tank. So, be smart and not to put that devil in....." (in response to a person who wants to keep a mantis shrimp).
"Sorry, I call your flower a weed (but then again, I've lost at least 30 fish to those things). My advice is to not be a flower head and just kill the thing." (in response to another person who wants to keep mantis shrimps).
"mantis shrimp are viscious killers. Like any animal they will always find something to eat, probably you mollusks. Get rid of it before it gets to big."
"after spending a few yrs in Hawaii, and running into many mantis shrimp, i really enjoy smashing them w/ the end of a wooden pole; mushing them into the substrate and letting its former victims gnaw on its offensive carcass. it works for me, anyway."

If that did not convince you of the inherent "evil" nature of the mantis shrimp, then nothing ever will, and I am sure you will find the rest of this site (and not only the "How-to get rid of" portions) an enjoyable read indeed.