can you own a mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp are aggressive, burrowing crustaceans that hunt using one of the fastest movements in the natural world. Even though mantis shrimp can be interesting additions to some saltwater tanks, aquarium hobbyists usually see them as a bother.

These stomatopods can quickly break through the hard shells of crabs and snails or spear fish that aren’t paying attention. Their strike uses machinery that boosts their strength so that their limbs can move much faster than muscles alone could.

In any case, this care guide will tell you everything you need to know about Mantis Shrimp if you want to keep them as an aquarium pet or just want to learn more about these interesting animals.

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.

Behavior of the Mantis Shrimp

There are many dangerous animals that the mantis shrimp can live in, like in aquariums and in the wild. Actually, I do not think that I have stressed it enough. Let me rephrase it. The Mantis shrimp is a ruthless, unstoppable, and smart hunting machine. Now, this description is more appropriate.

Their hunting behavior will depend on the species you have. For example, ʻSpearersʼ Mantis shrimp are pure ambush predators. They scan the environment from a concealed position and then rapidly execute a surprise attack. They usually hide in sandy burrows to catch prey that tries to get away, but “Smashers” mantis shrimp can also look for food outside of their burrows. Unlike many other ambush predators, ‘Smashers’ Mantis shrimp are very persistent. If their attack failed, they will often pursue the prey until they catch it.

Interesting facts: According to the study, small Mantis shrimp species (like Alachosquilla vicina – 1 inch or 2.5 cm long) can attack several times faster compared to large ones (like Lysiosquillina maculate – 5 – 7 inches or 13 – 17 cm).

The mantis shrimp spends most of its life living in its burrow or cavity. They are very secretive and solitary sea animals. Some species of Mantis shrimp, on the other hand, can mate with a partner and stay together their whole lives.

They are also extremely intelligent and capable of learning. Lots of people who keep Mantis shrimp say that their shrimp started to see them as “Bringers of Food” and weren’t afraid to come out.

Mantis shrimp are very quick and deadly predators, which feed on any aquatic creature they can catch.

Depending upon the species, mantis shrimp catch their food using either of two distinct methods. “Spearers” mantis shrimp like to catch fish or shrimp that move quickly, while “Smashers” like to eat hard-shelled animals that stay in one place, like crabs, lobsters, shrimp, snails, clams, mussels, and more. ). They will smash and break their prey with their fierce appendages to retrieve the soft tissue.

When it comes to food, mantis shrimp are often very picky. They will sometimes kill a live food item, which looks like territorial defense, but not eat it. Most will, however, suits unfamiliar foods over time.

This takes time and experimentation. It’s actually pretty funny to watch them grab an unfamiliar food, run back to their den, and then spit it out as disgusting! Tong-feeding will let you give them a wider range of foods than if you only gave them live food.

Frozen mussels, prawns, scallops, clams, squid, crab, and various fishes are all readily accepted. Human markets and bait stores are also great places to find unique foods for pets, like different kinds of shrimp, fish, snails, and abalone. Giving your pet these foods will make its diet healthier.

Keeping and Housing Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp are usually straight forward and very easy to care for. However, for optimal results, here are some handy tips that you should follow in order to keep them in an aquarium. Note: Also, I have made a list of the most popular Mantis shrimp species that aquarists usually keep in their tanks. I used information from Berkeley University of California, so all credits go to them.

Avoid keeping ‘Smasher’ Mantis shrimp in a glass aquarium. Even small individuals can chip the glass. While big ones can break it. This isn’t in the least common, but watch them at feeding time. Additionally, it has been said more than once that when they hit a problem they need to solve, they often try to punch their answers. Some aquarists saw them attacking their reflection through the glass.

Note: Acrylic tanks are your choice if you are going for a large species.

Large aquariums make it easier to keep an eye on the water quality, but small Mantis shrimp (1 to 3 inches or 2 5 – 7 cm) do quite well in 10-gallon (~40 liters) aquariums. Individuals longer than 8 inches (20 cm) will require at least 20 gallons tank (80 liters).

Note: Making sure your tank is fully cycled before adding any Mantis shrimp is more important than the size of the tank.

Mantis shrimp are hardy and difficult to kill. They are not picky about tank water parameters and are easy to care for. Most types of mantis shrimp do best in water that is 72 to 80 F (22 to 26 C) and has a salt level of 1. 018 to 1. 025.

Mantis shrimp are ambush predators and need places to hide. In general, a sandy substrate at the bottom of the tank is preferable. If you are planning to keep a ‘Spearer’ Mantis shrimp, the sand becomes mandatory. Sand bed should be at least 1. 5 times as deep as the animal is long.

If you want to keep a “Smasher” Mantis shrimp, you will also need to add rocks or gravel and PVC pipes to make the tank look like its natural environment. This type prefers to hide in tube-shaped cavities. Some species often even close their cavity at night. This will help your Mantis shrimp to feel safe and stress-free in the tank. Despite their fearless attitude, Mantis shrimp will languish and die if forced to stay within the open.

Keep in mind that aquascaping often does not work with Mantis shrimp. They are very strong and can push, drag, dig and rearrange everything in your reef tank. Mantis shrimp can move huge amounts of sand and gravel from one place to another, and they can sometimes build very stable burrows on their own.

It will be great to set an aquarium light timer to mimic their natural cycle. Filtration is often quite simple because they do not require anything special. Just pick up whatever suits your budget.

Note: Mantis shrimp are pretty tough when it comes to water quality, but they are very sensitive to chemicals in the air, like many other aquatic invertebrates. Fumes from paints, floor waxes, cleaning products, and other things can get into aquariums, even ones that are covered, and can kill Mantis shrimp. So be careful where you are going to place the tank.

Important: No matter how hardy Mantis Shrimp are, it is best to acclimate them before keeping them as a pet (read more about it).

Mantis Shrimp Care & Where to Buy Mantis Shrimp

Can a mantis shrimp live alone?

The Mantis Shrimp prefers to live alone, and you shouldn’t pair it with any other fish, shrimp, snail, or other aquatic creature, no matter the species. But let’s see why. Why Mantis Shrimp are Not Good Tank Mates? I would say there are 4 reasons why Mantis Shrimps cannot cohabitate with any other tank pet:

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 shrimps live with other tank pets?

I would say there are 4 reasons why Mantis Shrimps cannot cohabitate with any other tank pet: Extreme territoriality – Mantis shrimps spend their lives near the substrate, around corals and rocky caves. Once they’ve set their territory, they will attack anyone roaming around, whether they are aggressive or friendly.

Can a mantis shrimp have more than one aquarium?

Mantis shrimps like to burrows and create nests. Keeping more than one in aquarium can lead to territorial aggression over caves and nests and we do not recommended attempting to keep more than one in an mantis shrimp aquarium. Are mantis shrimp smart ?