Hey there! I’ve been fascinated by marine life for years, and today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about mantis shrimp and their relationship with starfish The quick answer? While mantis shrimp can eat starfish, they don’t usually choose to – but there’s way more to this story!
Understanding the Mighty Mantis Shrimp
Before we dive deep into their eating habits let me tell you what makes these creatures so special
- They’re not actually shrimp (I know, mind-blown right?)
- There are over 450 different species
- They grow between 4-18 inches long
- Come in amazing colors like green, blue, orange, and red
- Have incredible eyes with 12-16 color receptors (way more than our measly 3!)
The Two Types of Mantis Shrimp Hunters
These little guys come in two flavors when it comes to hunting
-
Spearers
- Have spiny appendages
- Prefer soft-bodied prey
- Love to ambush their food
- Mostly eat fish, squid, and worms
-
Smashers
- Pack a punch like a .22 caliber bullet
- Can strike at 50 mph
- Specialize in breaking hard shells
- Prefer crabs and clams
The Main Course: What Do Mantis Shrimp Actually Eat?
Here’s their typical menu:
- Small reef fish (like damselfish)
- Crabs
- Snails
- Clams
- Worms
- Other shrimp
- Squid
The Starfish Situation
Now, here’s the tea about mantis shrimp and starfish:
Why They Might Eat Starfish
- They’re physically capable of attacking small starfish
- Their sharp claws can cut through starfish flesh
- In a pinch, they’ll take what they can get
Why They Usually Don’t
- Starfish move too slow (mantis shrimp like the chase!)
- Larger starfish are too tough to tackle
- Better food options are usually available
- They prefer faster-moving prey
Tank Life: Can They Be Roomies?
If you’re thinking about keeping mantis shrimp and starfish together, here’s what you need to know:
Requirements for Coexistence
- Tank size: Minimum 100 gallons
- Plenty of hiding spots
- Regular feeding schedule
- Proper starfish selection
Tips for Success
- Choose larger starfish (3+ inches)
- Pick the right species (serpent stars or brittle stars work better)
- Keep your mantis shrimp well-fed
- Provide lots of rocks and caves
My Personal Experience
I’ve seen these dynamics play out in my own reef tanks. One time, I had a spearer mantis shrimp that completely ignored the brittle stars in the tank for months! But I wouldn’t guarantee this behavior – every mantis shrimp has its own personality.
Final Thoughts
While mantis shrimp can technically eat starfish, they’re not usually first choice on the menu. Think of it like us and brussels sprouts – we can eat them, but most of us would prefer a pizza!
For the best results in your tank:
- Keep mantis shrimp solo if possible
- If mixing, provide plenty of space
- Always have backup plans
- Monitor behavior closely
Remember, every creature in your tank is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. I’ve learned this the hard way through years of reef keeping!
Have you ever kept mantis shrimp? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more marine life insights.
Stay salty, friends!
Did my Mantis Shrimp murder his starfish friend?
FAQ
What do mantis shrimp eat?
Mantis shrimp are predatory crustaceans with diverse diets. They are known to eat a variety of prey, including other crustaceans like crabs, shrimp, and snails, as well as worms, fish, and even squid.
Would it hurt if a mantis shrimp hit you?
Yes, a mantis shrimp punch can hurt and cause injury.
Are mantis shrimp herbivores?
No, mantis shrimp are not herbivores. They primarily consume animal matter, specifically live prey. 2. What constitutes the primary diet of mantis shrimp? Mantis shrimp have a broad diet, focusing on consuming small crustaceans and mollusks. 3. Do mantis shrimp eat their own kind? Yes, mantis shrimp are notorious for cannibalistic behaviors.
Do mantis shrimp eat lionfish?
Mantis shrimp larvae feed on plankton before developing their raptorial appendages for more robust hunting. The peacock mantis shrimp has been reported to consume venomous prey like lionfish without harm, possibly due to biochemical resistance. Mantis shrimp will sometimes hunt cooperatively in packs if large prey is encountered like giant clams.
Are mantis shrimp dangerous?
The Mantis Shrimp (or ‘Stomatopod’) is a small, aggressive marine Crustacean, that inhabit tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans between Eastern Africa and Hawaii. They are beautiful and vibrant in colour, but also deadly, able to club prey with the force of a bullet, or spike them with their sharp claws.
What fish eat starfish?
Several bony fishes, such as the catfish, are bottom feeders. These species are the starfish’s main predator, given that the latter is often lodged on the sea bed. Some species, on the other hand, have large teeth that enable it to feed on shelled creatures. 6. Shrimp
Are mantis shrimp endangered?
Mantis shrimp are not considered to be threatened or endangered by the IUCN. 1. All mantis shrimp species can be divided into ‘spearers’ or ‘smashers’, based on the types of claws they have and tactics they use to kill the prey.