Hey there! I’ve been fascinated by mantis shrimp for years, and I’m excited to share everything you need to know about keeping these amazing creatures as pets While they’ve gotten a bit of a bad rap in the aquarium hobby, mantis shrimp can actually make incredible pets for the right owner
Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely own a mantis shrimp! They’re legal to keep in most places and can make fascinating pets. However, they need specialized care and setups, and they’re definitely not for everyone
What Makes Mantis Shrimp Special?
Before we dive into care details, let me tell you why these creatures are so incredible:
- They’re not actually shrimp! They’re stomatopods that split from other crustaceans about 340 million years ago
- Their eyes are insanely complex – they have 12-16 color receptors (we humans only have 3!)
- They pack one of the fastest punches in the animal kingdom – hitting with the force of a .22 caliber bullet
- Some species can live 20+ years, though most live 3-6 years in aquariums
- They’re super smart and can even recognize their owners as “food bringers”
Types of Mantis Shrimp
There are two main types you’ll encounter:
Spearers
- Have spiny appendages for stabbing soft prey
- Prefer hunting fish and soft-bodied creatures
- Need deep sand beds for burrowing
Smashers:
- Have club-like appendages for crushing hard shells
- Hunt crabs, snails, and other hard-shelled prey
- Prefer tube-shaped cavities and caves
Essential Tank Setup
Tank Requirements:
- Minimum 10 gallons for small species
- 20+ gallons for specimens over 8 inches
- Acrylic tank (glass can chip or break!)
- Completely sealed lid
- Temperature: 72-80°F
- Salinity: 1.018-1.025
- pH: 8.0-8.5
Substrate & Decor:
- 3-4 inches of fine sand
- PVC pipes for hiding spots
- Rocks and caves
- Minimal decoration (they’ll rearrange everything anyway!)
Feeding Your Mantis Shrimp
These little guys are carnivores and need a varied diet:
- Frozen fish
- Shrimp
- Clams and mussels
- Squid
- Crab meat
Pro tip: Use feeding tongs! Never feed with your fingers unless you want a nickname like “Thumb Splitter”
Common Challenges & Solutions
Limited Visibility
Many owners get frustrated because their mantis spends lots of time hiding. This is totally normal! Try:
- Setting regular feeding times
- Using a timer for lighting
- Adding moving corals to encourage activity
Tank Mates
Here’s the honest truth – mantis shrimp usually need their own tank. They’ll likely hunt or kill:
- Fish
- Crabs
- Snails
- Other shrimp
Is a Mantis Shrimp Right for You?
Pros:
- Fascinating behavior
- Beautiful colors
- Relatively low maintenance
- Super intelligent
- Long lifespan
Cons:
- Need specialized tanks
- Can’t have tank mates
- Might not see them often
- Can be expensive to feed
- Not handleable
My Personal Experience
I’ve kept several mantis shrimp over the years, and while they can be challenging at first, they’re incredibly rewarding pets. Just remember to be patient – it might take a few weeks or even months before your mantis feels comfortable enough to show itself regularly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re fascinated by unique pets and don’t mind having a species-only tank, a mantis shrimp could be perfect for you. Just make sure you’re ready for the commitment and specialized care they need.
Would you like me to explain any part of this guide in more detail? I’d be happy to share more specific info about any aspect of mantis shrimp care!
Common Sign of a Mantis Shrimp
When fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates start mysteriously disappearing from your aquarium, many aquarists suspect a mantis shrimp. While this is a key sign of their presence, other marine animals could also be the cause. Consider a mantis shrimp as a suspect, particularly if fish are disappearing, but thoroughly investigate other possibilities before jumping to conclusions.
What Are Mantis Shrimp?
Found in tropical waters worldwide, they belong to the phylum Crustacea, class Malacostraca, subclass Hoplocarida (meaning “armed shrimp”), and order Stomatopoda. Often referred to as stomatopods, they come in a wide variety of species. As carnivores, they will eat almost anything, making them expert hunters. They are solitary animals, and unless you have a large tank, they should be kept alone.
Mantis shrimp have two hunting styles: “spearers” and “smashers.” “Spearers” use a spear-like claw to silently stab soft-bodied prey, while “smashers” use a powerful, club-like claw to break or crush hard-bodied prey. “Smashers” have a strike force comparable to a .22-caliber bullet and are known as “thumb splitters.” Its rumored that their strength is enough to crack aquarium glass!
Mantis shrimp are not related to shrimp. They are called “shrimp” because of their front appendages, which they use to capture food. The name “mantis” comes from their resemblance to the praying mantis insect and similar hunting traits.
Mantis shrimp are burrowers and create tubes or cavities in sand, rubble, or mud. They adapt to living in holes, cracks, or crevices in rocks, and can reside in snail or hermit crab shells. A mantis shrimp might unexpectedly appear in your tank by hiding on a live rock due to their excellent hiding skills!
Some mantis shrimp species can grow up to 12 inches long. A notable six- to eight-inch black and white striped species can be found on the mudflats in Hawaii, which should not be underestimated.
Ultimate Giant Mantis Shrimp: Beginners Care Guide
FAQ
How much does a mantis shrimp cost?
| Item # | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 005932 | Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Small: over 2-2.5″, Indo Pacific * Restriction On Guarantee | $139.99 |
| 003756 | Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Medium: over 2.5-4.5″, Indo Pacific * Restriction On Guarantee | $149.99 |
| 005934 | Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Large: over 4.5-6.5″, Indo Pacific * Restriction On Guarantee | $179.99 |
Can you legally own a mantis shrimp?
Can you get mantis shrimp in the US?
Often seen in local waters along the state’s coast and along the Southeastern U.S., the mantis shrimp can be found in shallow tropical or subtropical waters. “The mantis shrimp (not a true shrimp) is a flattened, inshore crustacean sometimes incorrectly called ‘rock shrimp,’” says SCDNR about the species.
Can mantis shrimp be kept in captivity?
Mantis shrimp can live in captivity for up to 10 years ! Some wild species like the green mantis shrimp are thought to live up to 20 years long. It varies from species to species, but the average life expectancy in captivity is on average 7-10 years.
Can you get a mantis shrimp as a pet?
However, there are some essential things to keep in mind if you are considering getting a mantis shrimp as a pet: Mantis shrimp are very territorial and aggressive. They should never be kept with other animals, even other mantis shrimp.
Should I buy a mantis shrimp or keep one?
If you decide you want to buy a mantis shrimp or keep one, because of its territorial and aggressive nature, it is best kept it in a tank by itself, but several may be kept together if you have a very big tank with plenty of room. When removing a mantis shrimp, it is not always an easy task. It takes patience and time.
Can mantis shrimp live in a community tank?
Mantis shrimp are best kept in a species-specific tank, as they can be aggressive towards other tank mates. Keeping them in a community tank with other species can lead to conflicts and potential harm to the other inhabitants. 8. Do mantis shrimp need a sandy substrate in their tank?
Why are mantis shrimp so popular?
1. Rising Popularity: One interesting trend in the world of exotic pets is the increasing popularity of mantis shrimp. With their striking appearance and intriguing behavior, mantis shrimp are capturing the attention of pet owners looking for something out of the ordinary. 2.
Are mantis shrimp bad?
You, as their caretaker, should respect that! The question of whether intentionally adding a mantis shrimp to a fish-only or reef tank is bad, the answer to this is an unequivocal, yes!. If you do put one in an aquarium with other animals, don’t get mad at the shrimp if things start disappearing.
Are mantis shrimp good for saltwater tanks?
Although Mantis shrimp can be interesting augmentations to certain saltwater tanks, generally, they are viewed as a disturbance by aquarium hobbyists. These stomatopods can crack the calcified shells of crabs and snails or spear down unsuspecting fish with lighting speed.