Where to Get Mantis Shrimp: The Complete Guide

Mantis shrimp, also known as stomatopods, are marine crustaceans that make a fascinating addition to saltwater aquariums They come in a stunning array of colors and patterns, not to mention packing a powerful punch with their raptorial appendages But sourcing these captivating creatures can be a challenge. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about where to get mantis shrimp for your own aquarium.

Understanding Mantis Shrimp

Before we dive into where to buy mantis shrimp, let’s go over some quick facts about these incredible creatures

• There are around 450 species found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They live in burrows or crevices of coral reefs.

• Most species reach 4-8 inches long as adults, but some can grow up to 18 inches. Lifespans range from 3-20 years depending on species.

• They are divided into “spearers” and “smashers” based on their specialized raptorial appendages used for hunting.

• Spearers stab soft-bodied prey while smashers club and smash prey with incredible force. Their punch is one of the fastest in the animal kingdom.

• Mantis shrimp have extremely complex vision with up to 16 color receptors (humans only have 3). Their eyes move independently on stalks.

• Colors include bright shades of green, blue, orange, red, yellow, purple, pink, and more. Patterns vary from stripes to speckles to solid colors.

• They need at least a 30 gallon tank with plenty of rocky crevices and hiding spots. Special aquariums may be required since they are known to break standard glass.

Now that you know the basics, let’s explore the best options for getting your own mantis shrimp.

Purchasing Captive-Bred Specimens

The ideal option is to purchase a captive-bred mantis shrimp from a reputable aquatics dealer, either online or in person. Some top places to buy include:

• Online retailers – Many online sites like LiveAquaria.com or UniqueCorals.com sell farm-raised mantis shrimp. This allows you to order right to your door.

• Local fish stores – Check with aquarium stores in your area to see if they carry any captive-bred specimens for sale. This lets you pick one out in person.

• Aquarium trade shows – Attending industry trade shows allows you to find mantis shrimp from a wide selection of top breeders and dealers gathered in one place.

With captive-bred animals, you can be certain they are aquarium-ready and accustomed to captivity. You’ll also have access to healthier, hardier specimens that are already feeding and thriving. Be sure to ask where and how the shrimp were bred and cared for.

Collecting Wild Specimens

If purchasing captive-bred mantis shrimp is not an option, some aquarists choose to collect their own from the wild. There are a few ways to do this:

• Snorkeling/diving – In locations where mantis shrimp are naturally found, they can be collected while snorkeling or scuba diving. Be sure to get proper permits.

• Setting traps – Baited traps can be effective for catching mantis shrimp out on natural reefs. Check local regulations.

• Using nets – A fine aquarium net is useful for catching shrimp in tidal pools or shallow waters near reefs. Always put conservation first.

• Buying from local fishermen – You may be able to purchase freshly caught specimens from local commercial or recreational fishermen.

While finding shrimp this way satisfies the thrill of the hunt, they tend to have higher mortality rates when adjusting to captive life. Only take what you need and avoid damaging reef habitat.

What to Look for When Selecting Your Shrimp

To pick the perfect mantis shrimp specimen for your tank, look for the following signs of health:

• Bright, vivid coloration with no faded or dull spots

• Muscular, thick legs and antennae

• Active movement and alert awareness

• Smooth, intact shell with no cracks or parasites

• Clear eyes, not cloudy or receded into sockets

• Overall energetic appearance with good weight

Avoid any shrimp showing signs of lethargy, swim abnormalities, white bands on legs or antennae, or cracked, peeling shells. Only choose active shrimp that are interacting with their environment.

Important Care Tips for Newly Acquired Shrimp

Once you get your new mantis shrimp home, use these care tips to get them thriving in your tank:

• Quarantine new shrimp for 4-6 weeks to monitor health before adding to your display tank.

• Test water parameters frequently and maintain excellent water quality. They need stable pH, salinity, temp, etc.

• Feed a varied diet like frozen mysis shrimp, krill, mussels, squid, herbivore pellets, etc. Remove uneaten food promptly.

• Provide ample hiding spaces with rocks, live rock, PVC tubes, coconut shells, etc.

• Use dim lighting and limit handling to reduce stress, especially for shy burrowing species.

• Research your species’ specific needs. Parameters can vary for spearers vs. smashers.

With high-quality specimens and proper care, your mantis shrimp will quickly become one of the most fascinating creatures in your saltwater tank. Now that you know where to find and select these colorful crustaceans, you’ll be prepared to add their beauty and personality to your own aquatic collection.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Mantis Shrimp

Can I keep more than one mantis shrimp per tank?

Most species should be kept one per tank, as they are highly aggressive and territorial. Some report success housing pairs or communal tanks with 30+ gallons per shrimp. It’s risky though, even mated pairs may turn on each other.

What size tank do I need for a mantis shrimp?

The minimum recommended size is 30 gallons for one average-sized mantis shrimp. Larger is always better to provide adequate territory. They need room for burrows and hiding spaces.

Are mantis shrimp reef safe?

Most species will prey on reef fish and inverts, so they aren’t compatible with reef tanks. Some say Pseudosquilla ciliata may work, but mantis shrimp are best kept in fish-only setups. Tanks specifically for mantis shrimp also allow best viewing.

Can I keep a mantis shrimp with other fish?

It’s not recommended, as they are likely to kill and eat most tankmates. Some have had success housing them with very quick fish that can escape like triggers, puffers, eels or lionfish. Larger, aggressive fish like pufferfish are generally the safest options.

What kind of filtration is needed for mantis shrimp?

A high-quality filtration system is crucial to handle the messy feeding and high bio-load of mantis shrimp. Canister filters or sumps combined with strong water movement, rubble zones and protein skimmers are ideal for maintaining water quality.

Are mantis shrimp poisonous or venomous?

No, mantis shrimp do not contain toxins. While their raptorial appendages can inflict painful cuts and gashes if mishandled, they do not inject venom. Their stunning punch comes from extreme acceleration, not poison.

Finding the perfect mantis shrimp takes some work, but the payoff of getting to observe one of these captivating creatures up close makes it all worthwhile. Use this guide to track down a healthy specimen from a reputable source, then get ready to enjoy this fascinating invertebrate as an eye-catching addition to your aquarium.