I've seen tangs get stuck like that a time or two - could be a variety of causes, including just "bad judgment" on the tang's part. I think that's likely unrelated to the mantis theory, unless the mantis startled him into getting into trouble.
If you know where the mantis is - which rock, you can remove that. Since the other fish haven't been caught yet, they are probably good at avoidance. I'd try the trap method first. Bait it something meaty and stinky like krill or a piece of uncooked shrimp and see if that works. Do it at night, they tend to be more nocturnal. Although I have a pet mantis here that will come out for krill anytime of day, when she's hungry...
They are stubborn creatures once they hole up. Some have tried using club soda to flush them out of a live rock (removed from the tank, of course) if you're sure you know where he is - but if you don't, a night time "Deadliest Catch" with a trap might work with the least amount of disturbance to your tank.
Jenn
If you know where the mantis is - which rock, you can remove that. Since the other fish haven't been caught yet, they are probably good at avoidance. I'd try the trap method first. Bait it something meaty and stinky like krill or a piece of uncooked shrimp and see if that works. Do it at night, they tend to be more nocturnal. Although I have a pet mantis here that will come out for krill anytime of day, when she's hungry...
They are stubborn creatures once they hole up. Some have tried using club soda to flush them out of a live rock (removed from the tank, of course) if you're sure you know where he is - but if you don't, a night time "Deadliest Catch" with a trap might work with the least amount of disturbance to your tank.
Jenn
