Hey seafood fans! I’ve been on the hunt for mantis shrimp lately and lemme tell ya – these colorful little crustaceans ain’t the easiest to track down! But after doing tons of research and making countless calls to fish markets, I’ve put together this super detailed guide to help ya find these tasty treats
What’s the Deal with Mantis Shrimp?
Before we dive into where to buy ’em, let’s quickly cover what makes these guys special:
- They’re not actually shrimp! They’re unique crustaceans with powerful claws
- Size ranges from 3-12 inches long
- Got amazing colors – greens, reds, blues, oranges (some even glow in the dark!)
- Super sweet and tender meat that’s kinda like a lobster-shrimp hybrid
- There’s over 450 different species out there
Best Places to Score Some Mantis Shrimp
1. Local Fish Markets
This is your best bet, especially if you live near the coast Here’s where to look
- Asian supermarkets with live tanks
- Seafood markets in port cities
- Premium fishmongers in big cities
- Wet markets (if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby)
- Local fishing boats (for the super fresh stuff!)
Pro tip: Make friends with your local fish guy! They might be able to special order some for ya if they don’t normally stock ’em.
2. Asian Grocery Stores
Many Asian markets carry frozen mantis shrimp. Check out:
- H Mart
- 99 Ranch Market
- Hong Kong Supermarket
- Seafood City
- Local Vietnamese/Thai markets
3. Online Seafood Retailers
If you’re striking out locally. try these online options
- Vietnamese Foods Online (frozen, wild-caught)
- Seattle Fish Company (live and frozen)
- Fulton Fish Market
- Trawler Direct
- Redistribution Foods International
How to Pick Good Mantis Shrimp
When you’re buying, keep these tips in mind:
For Live Shrimp:
- Should be active and alert
- All limbs intact
- Bright, vibrant colors
- Clear eyes
For Frozen Shrimp:
- No freezer burn
- No yellowing on shells
- Should look glossy
- Minimal damage
Storage Tips
Once you’ve got your hands on some mantis shrimp, here’s how to keep ’em fresh:
- Live: Keep in chilled saltwater, use same day
- Fresh: Store on ice in fridge, use within 2 days
- Frozen: Good for 4 months at 0°F
- Cooked: Keeps 3-4 days in fridge
How Much Should You Buy?
I usually recommend about 1/2 pound per person when buying raw mantis shrimp. Remember, you only get about 35-40% meat from the total weight – them shells are heavy!
What’s it Gonna Cost Ya?
Not gonna lie – these babies ain’t cheap! Expect to pay:
- $15-50 per pound depending on:
- Whether they’re live/fresh/frozen
- Your location
- Season
- Availability
Quick Cooking Ideas
Once you’ve got your mantis shrimp, try these simple prep methods:
- Grill with garlic butter
- Steam with ginger and scallions
- Stir-fry with veggies
- Make spicy ceviche
- Deep fry tempura style
The Bottom Line
Finding mantis shrimp might take some effort, but trust me – it’s worth it! Start with local Asian markets and fish mongers, and if that doesn’t work, hit up the online retailers. Just remember to check the quality before buying and store ’em properly once you get home.
Got any questions about buying mantis shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below! And if you know any secret spots to find these tasty crustaceans, share with the rest of us seafood lovers!
#seafood #mantisshrimp #cooking #wheretobuymantisshrimp #seafoodguide
A Note From the Caretaker
Learn more about the peacock mantis shrimp! Did you know that, because the mantis shrimp’s club can withstand incredible force, researchers believe that understanding its structure can help design body armor, protective sports gear and aerospace equipment?
This species is found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The peacock mantis shrimp can kill prey larger than itself and typically feeds on gastropods, crabs and mollusks.
Mantis shrimp typically grow to lengths of 2 to 7 inches.
This species is not threatened.
Some large fishes make a meal of the mantis shrimp.
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.
Mantis Shrimp Care & Where to Buy Mantis Shrimp
FAQ
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.
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 |
Is mantis shrimp edible to eat?
Mantis shrimp are abundant, eaten in several cuisines across the world.
Can I legally own a mantis shrimp?
Answer: There are no specific regulations for these crustaceans, but they are protected by the general sport fishing regulations for all invertebrates and crustaceans (CCR Title 14, sections 29.05 and 29.80, respectively). Invertebrates may not be taken by hook and line.
Where can I buy mantis shrimp?
Mantis shrimp are available for purchase from most aquarium supply stores and should be maintained in a cycled saltwater acrylic tank with aeration, filtration, and feeding every other day with frozen and/or live bait (e.g., snails, small crabs).
What do mantis shrimp consume as food?
Mantis Shrimp, such as the Peacock Mantis Shrimp or Painted Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus), prefer lower lighting and need rocks and sand to make a burrow. They will consume live food, like crabs, snails, shrimp, and small fish. Mantis Shrimp can also be trained to eat pellets and all types of frozen foods.
Do mantis shrimp need a lot of care?
Mantis shrimp really do not require much care at all. This is one of the reasons why smaller mantis shrimp are the most popular with aquarium hobbyists. In addition, it is easy to obtain them for relatively low cost in many pet stores. Interesting fact: It is quite interesting but the Mantis shrimp is not a shrimp or mantis. They are stomatopods.
Can mantis shrimp be kept as a pet?
So be careful where you are going to place the tank. Important: If you planning to keep Mantis Shrimp as a pet, regardless of their hardiness, it will be better to acclimate them (read more about it). When an argument comes to devastating blows, a disagreement can be fatal.
Where do mantis shrimp live?
Mantis shrimp are usually found in shallow subtropical or tropical waters, with some types or species occasionally found in sub-Antarctic waters. They are found along shores, usually living in an abandoned burrow to maneuver in, and bent capture prey when spotted.
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.