Hey fellow reef keepers! I’ve noticed there’s been a lot of buzz and worry going around about mantis shrimp breaking aquarium glass. As someone who’s kept these fascinating creatures, I wanted to share what I’ve learned and help separate fact from fiction.
The Short Answer
The risk of a mantis shrimp breaking your aquarium glass is actually pretty low! While these little guys pack a powerful punch, most modern aquarium glass can handle their strikes just fine But let’s dive deeper into why this is such a common concern and what you really need to know
Understanding Mantis Shrimp Types
There are two main types of mantis shrimp you might encounter:
- Spearers: These fellas have spear-like appendages they use to catch prey
- Smashers (like the famous Peacock Mantis): These are the ones with the club-like appendages that can deliver those impressive strikes
The Science Behind Their Punch
Here’s what makes these creatures so fascinating:
- Their strikes can reach speeds of 50 mph
- They can generate force up to 1,500 Newtons
- Their punch can cause cavitation bubbles in water
- They’re known as “thumb splitters” among experienced aquarists
Real Talk: Glass Breaking Risk Assessment
From my experience and research, here’s what you should know about tank safety:
Low-Risk Scenarios:
- Standard glass aquariums 40 gallons or larger
- Proper housing conditions
- Well-fed mantis shrimp
- Adequate space for burrowing
Higher-Risk Areas:
- Bottom of the tank (where they might try to burrow)
- Very small tanks under 20 gallons
- Thin or poorly constructed glass
Practical Tips for Mantis Shrimp Keepers
-
Tank Setup
- Use a minimum 40-gallon breeder tank
- Consider adding an acrylic sheet at the bottom
- Provide plenty of rocks and hiding spots
- Keep as species-only tank
-
Feeding and Care
- Feed regularly with:
- Frozen foods
- Shell-on seafood
- Empty shells (they love smashing these!)
- Maintain stable water parameters
- Give them enough space to establish territory
- Feed regularly with:
-
Safety Precautions
- Regular tank inspections
- Proper thickness glass
- Adequate substrate depth
- Good quality silicone seals
Common Myths vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “They actively try to break tanks” | They don’t intentionally target glass |
| “Every mantis will break your tank” | Glass breaks are extremely rare |
| “You need acrylic tanks” | Standard glass tanks are usually fine |
| “They’re impossible to keep safely” | With proper care, they’re great pets |
My Personal Experience
I’ve kept several mantis shrimp over the years, including a peacock mantis in a 40-gallon breeder tank. While the sounds of their strikes against shells could be startling (and super cool to watch!), I never had any issues with tank damage. The key was providing proper housing and care.
Important Considerations Before Getting a Mantis Shrimp
- Tank size (40g minimum recommended)
- Species selection (spearers vs. smashers)
- Housing requirements
- Feeding schedule
- Tank mates (or lack thereof)
- Time commitment
When Should You Actually Worry?
Keep an eye out if you notice
- Repeated striking in the same spot
- Unusual aggressive behavior
- Signs of stress
- Poor tank conditions
Final Thoughts
While mantis shrimp are powerful creatures, the risk of them breaking your aquarium is way overblown. With proper setup and care, they make fascinating pets. Just remember
- Choose appropriate tank size
- Provide proper care and feeding
- Monitor behavior
- Enjoy their unique personalities!
Quick Setup Checklist:
- 40g+ tank
- Quality glass construction
- Proper substrate depth
- Hiding spots/caves
- Regular feeding schedule
- Water parameter monitoring
Additional Resources
- Local reef clubs
- Experienced mantis keepers
- Marine biology research papers
- Aquarium forums
Stay salty, fellow reefers!
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The mantis shrimp possesses two incredibly strong arms that it uses to eat attack and eat its prey. Destin from Smarter Every Day, visits Australia to discover how the mantis shrimp uses physics to generate enough power to break through glass and crab shells.
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Mantis Shrimp Break Glass
FAQ
Can a mantis shrimp break a glass tank?
Yes, mantis shrimp, particularly the smasher type, can break aquarium glass, especially in smaller, thinner-walled tanks.
What shrimp can break bullet proof glass?
The punch of a peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) is the strongest self-powered strike by an animal. They use hammer-like fists, or dactyl clubs, to shatter prey’s shells. The strike is so strong it can even break aquarium glass, delivering a force comparable to a . 22 caliber bullet.
Would it hurt if a mantis shrimp punches you?
Yes, a mantis shrimp’s punch can hurt.
Can a mantis shrimp punch boils water?
Yes, the mantis shrimp’s punch is so powerful and fast that it can boil water due to a phenomenon called cavitation. The speed at which their appendages move creates a low-pressure zone, causing water to vaporize and form bubbles. These bubbles then collapse violently, releasing energy and heat, and creating a flash of light.