Do Mantis Shrimp Eat Starfish?

Mantis shrimp are aggressive and formidable marine crustaceans that inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans. They are voracious predators that use their raptorial appendages to spear smash and dismember prey with lightning speed and immense power. But do these deadly hunters feast on starfish? Let’s take a closer look at the diet and behavior of mantis shrimp to find out.

There are over 450 species of mantis shrimp, also known as stomatopods. They can reach 4-18 inches in length and come in a dazzling array of colors like green, blue, orange and red.

Mantis shrimp are divided into ‘spearers’ and ‘smashers’ based on the type of claws they possess. Spearers have spiny appendages to stab soft-bodied prey while smashers have thick, blunt clubs to crack open hard shells.

These raptorial claws can accelerate through water at 50 mph, delivering a punch with the force of a .22 caliber bullet. This enormous power enables mantis shrimp to smash through crabs and clams with ease.

In addition to their lethal claws, mantis shrimp have extremely complex eyes with 12-16 color receptors. Their visual system is unparalleled in the animal kingdom, allowing them to perceive polarized light, depth and ultraviolet images.

Now let’s analyze the typical diet and feeding habits of these mighty crustaceans.

The Diet of Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp are ferocious predators that hunt using their specialized appendages Here are some common foods in their diet

• Fish – Small reef fish like damselfish, cardinalfish and wrasses are grabbed and speared

• Crabs – Smasher claws break through crab shells with a brutal hammering action.

• Snails – The mantis shrimp’s claws make easy work of snail shells.

• Clams – Powerful blows split open clam shells to access the soft interior.

• Worms – Razor-sharp spikes impale soft-bodied worms.

• Shrimp – Despite their name, mantis shrimp readily feed on smaller shrimp species.

• Squid – Lightning fast strikes capture unsuspecting squid.

As you can see, mantis shrimp feed on a variety of small invertebrates and fish. They are opportunistic predators that use their ultra-fast strikes and strong claws to overpower most prey.

But where do starfish fall into their diet?

Do Mantis Shrimp Eat Starfish?

Starfish, or sea stars, are slow-moving echinoderms found on sea floors and coral reefs. Their key traits include:

• Five arms radiating from a central disk.

• Tiny tube feet on the underside for locomotion.

• A mouth on the underside to engulf prey.

• The ability to regenerate lost limbs.

There are over 2,000 species of starfish varying greatly in size, color and diet. Some prey on bivalves like clams and oysters while others feed on detritus and coral.

When it comes to mantis shrimp, they have been observed hunting and consuming small starfish in the wild. Their sharp raptorial claws can puncture and slice starfish flesh with repeated strikes.

However, mantis shrimp tend to prefer faster-moving prey like fish and shrimp which are easier to grab and spear. The sluggish movements of starfish make them less appealing targets.

Larger starfish species with thicker skin like the azure star and ochre star are also more difficult for mantis shrimp to dismantle. Their muscular rays are challenging to cut through before the starfish escapes.

• Mantis shrimp are certainly capable of capturing and eating small starfish if given the opportunity.

• But starfish are not a primary component of their diet compared to soft-bodied worms, fish and crustaceans which are easier to spear and smash.

• Larger starfish with thick skin and wide bodies are more resistant to mantis shrimp attacks.

Coexistence in Aquariums

In aquarium settings, housing mantis shrimp with starfish is generally not recommended. The mantis shrimp may end up attacking and consuming ornamental starfish tankmates.

However, if provided enough space and ample food, mantis shrimp can potentially coexist with starfish depending on these factors:

• Starfish Size – Larger starfish over 3 inches wide are harder for mantis shrimp to dismantle. Avoid small fragile species.

• Mantis Shrimp Size – Large smashers over 6 inches long can tackle bigger starfish while smaller spearers pose less risk.

• Tank Size – A spacious tank over 100 gallons provides escape room for starfish if threatened.

• Alternative Food – Be sure to feed the mantis shrimp regularly so it is less likely to hunt tankmates. Target feed with shrimp or fish chunks.

• Shelter – Provide ample rocks, caves and reef structures for starfish to hide if feeling vulnerable.

With good tank management, some aquarists have successfully kept spearer mantis shrimp with starfish like serpent stars and brittle stars. But accidents can still happen, so cohabitation remains a gamble.

In Summary

To recap, here’s a quick overview:

• Mantis shrimp are voracious predators that can eat small starfish in the wild using their sharp raptorial claws.

• However, starfish are not a primary prey item since mantis shrimp prefer faster-moving fish and invertebrates that are easier to spear.

• Larger starfish species with thick skin are more resistant to mantis shrimp attacks.

• In captivity, housing mantis shrimp with starfish can work but remains risky and requires ample space, food and shelter.

So in conclusion, while not a staple of their diet, mantis shrimp are certainly capable of feeding on starfish when given the opportunity. Cautious cohabitation is possible but it’s generally best to keep these aggressive crustaceans alone.