How Much Do Mantis Shrimp Cost? An In-Depth Look at Their Value

Mantis shrimp are one of the most fascinating creatures found in the ocean. Their beautiful colors, incredible hunting abilities, and complex behaviors make them highly sought-after animals in the saltwater aquarium trade. But these unique crustaceans come at a price – often a high one. In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth look at why mantis shrimp are so expensive and share some tips for getting the best value when buying one.

Why Are Mantis Shrimp So Expensive?

There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of mantis shrimp:

• Limited Supply – Mantis shrimp are not bred commercially on a large scale. Most available animals are wild caught which limits the supply. This scarcity allows sellers to charge higher prices.

• Difficulty to Collect – Mantis shrimp spend most of their time hiding in burrows and crevices They are notoriously tricky for divers to find and capture, The effort involved drives up collection costs,

• Care Requirements – Keeping healthy mantis shrimp requires large, species-appropriate habitats. They need frequent feedings of live foods. These care demands limit the number of suitable buyers.

• Destructive Potential – Some mantis shrimp species can break aquarium glass or kill fish. This risk makes sellers leery of selling to inexperienced keepers. They often charge more to offset potential losses.

• Special Appeal – The rarity, beauty and incredible hunting skills of mantis shrimp give them an exotic allure for collectors. People are willing to pay premium prices for especially desirable species.

Mantis Shrimp Pricing

The price tag for a mantis shrimp depends on the species, size and source. Here’s a rough breakdown of typical costs:

• Peacock Mantis Shrimp – The most common species in the trade range from $20 for a 1-inch juvenile up to $150 for a 4-inch adult. Rare color morphs can cost $500 or more.

• Zebra Mantis Shrimp – Average $40-$100 depending on size. Max out around $150. Less expensive than peacocks.

• Giant Mantis Shrimp – Large species like Gonodactylus smithii can sell for $200-$500 for a subadult 4-6 inches long.

• Rare Species – Uncommon species or locales can command prices from $300 up to $1,000+ for a breeding pair.

• Local Fish Stores – Often double or triple the price of online/wholesale sources. But you can see/pick exact animal.

• Online Vendors – Offer better prices but charge high shipping fees. Risk of DOAs and sight-unseen purchases.

As you can see, a 4-inch aquarium-ready mantis shrimp often sells between $100-$200 depending on exact species and seller. For rare or giant species, costs quickly skyrocket.

Getting the Best Value on Mantis Shrimp

If the high price tag of mantis shrimp makes you flinch, don’t worry. There are a few tips to save money and still get a healthy animal:

• Buy a juvenile. You’ll pay 2-3 times less than an adult. Raise it up yourself.

• Check local fish stores for sales or special orders. Stores may discount overstocked animals.

• Find hobbyist breeders online through forums or groups. Their prices are often far lower than retail.

• Be open to less colorful species. Drab brown shrimp cost a fraction compared to their gaudy cousins.

• Wait for sales around the holidays. Retailers frequently discount livestock to draw in customers.

• Avoid overnight shipping fees. See if any local sellers can provide pickup options.

• Buy equipment and supplies used instead of new. Check auction sites for major discounts.

While mantis shrimp never run cheap, following these tips can help cut costs substantially. With some patience and effort, even aquarists on a budget can afford one of these amazing creatures. The excitement of owning a mantis shrimp far outweighs their price tag!

Frequency of Entities:
Mantis shrimp: 27
Price/Cost: 16
Aquarium: 5
Shrimp: 5
Sellers: 3
Species: 3
Animals: 3
Buyers: 2
Supply: 2
Burrows: 2
Care: 2
Destructive: 1
Limited: 1
Difficulty: 1
Requirements: 1
Potential: 1
Appeal: 1
Collectors: 1
Sources: 1
Locales: 1
Vendors: 1
Shipping: 1
DOAs: 1
Purchases: 1
Cousins: 1
Holidays: 1
Discounts: 1
Equipment: 1
Supplies: 1
Auction: 1
Patience: 1
Effort: 1
Excitement: 1
Tag: 1