How Much Does a Mantis Shrimp Cost? A Detailed Breakdown of Expenses

Mantis shrimps, also known as thumb splitters, have become increasingly popular exotic pets in recent years. Their vibrant colors, incredible speed, and fascinating hunting techniques captivate aquarists around the world. However, caring for these remarkable creatures requires proper planning and preparation. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in purchasing and keeping a mantis shrimp as a pet.

Upfront Costs – Purchasing Your Mantis Shrimp

The first expense you’ll encounter is the initial purchase price of your mantis shrimp This can range anywhere from $20 for a juvenile up to over $500 for a large, rare adult specimen The main factors affecting price are

• Age & Size – Juveniles are cheaper than mature adults. Larger mantis shrimp require bigger tanks.
• Rare Color Morphs – Vibrant colors and patterns can drive up prices.
• Rarity – Harder to find species cost more.
• Breeding Difficulty – Species that are tricky to breed have limited availability.

When sourcing your mantis shrimp, reputable breeders and local aquarium stores are great options. Online retailers like LiveAquaria also offer home delivery. Inspect shrimp carefully before purchase to ensure good health.

Habitat Setup Costs

Now that you have your mantis shrimp, a proper habitat is essential. Here’s what you’ll need and estimated costs

• Aquarium Tank – Minimum 20 gallon for one shrimp, but bigger is better. $100 to $300+ depending on size.
• Filtration – Canister filter, around $100. Required for waste removal.
• Protein Skimmer – $100 to $200. Removes dissolved organic compounds.
• Heater & Thermometer – $50 to $150. Maintains optimal 75°F – 80°F water temperature.
• Substrate – $20 to $60. Sand or fine gravel bottom layer.
• Decor – $50+. Rocks, driftwood, coral pieces for hiding spaces.
• Lighting – $50 to $200. Proper aquarium lighting fixture.

With essential tank equipment in place, you’re looking at around $500 to $1,000+ for setup, varying based on tank size.

Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Monitoring and maintaining pristine water quality is crucial for mantis shrimp health. Required testing equipment includes:

• API Test Kit – $30 to $50. Tests ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH.
• Hydrometer – $10 to $20. Measures salinity/specific gravity.
• Thermometer – $5 to $15. Double checks tank temperature.

Regular Maintenance Costs

Ongoing expenses are also a reality with pet mantis shrimp. This includes:

• Weekly Partial Water Changes – Use premixed sea salt. Costs about $10 monthly.
• Filter Media Replacement – $15 to $20 every 2 to 3 months.
• Food – $10 to $20 per month. Carnivore diet of shrimp, fish, crab.
• Supplements & Medications – For health issues. Budget $20 monthly.
• Electricity – For equipment operation. $5 to $20 monthly depending on tank size.

Potential Unexpected Costs

Even with perfect care, surprise expenses can pop up, including:

• Broken Equipment – Heaters, pumps, filters may need replacing every 2-3 years. Several hundred dollars.
• Vet Visits – For mantis shrimp health problems. $100+ per visit.
• Tank Repairs – Cracks, leaks, silicone repairs. $50 to $500+ depending on damage.

It’s wise to budget extra as a contingency fund for unplanned costs. An emergency fund of $200 to $500 can be a lifesaver.

Total Estimated Costs

So in total, here are the estimated costs for a 50 gallon mantis shrimp tank:

• Shrimp Purchase Price – $50

• Tank & Equipment – $800

• Testing Gear – $100

• Initial Setup – $950

• Monthly Care & Food – $60

• Annual Costs – $720

Total First Year Expense – Approximately $1,670

Of course, costs scale up for larger tanks and multiple shrimp. But this provides a realistic baseline for the investment required.

Is a Pet Mantis Shrimp Right for You?

Before jumping in, carefully consider if you have the time, resources and dedication to properly care for a mantis shrimp. Key points to ponder:

• They have specialized care needs compared to fish or other aquatic pets.

• Tank maintenance requires weekly effort. Equipment costs can be high.

• Their expected lifespan is 3 to 5 years, sometimes longer. Can you commit?

• Behavioral issues like aggression may require troubleshooting.

• Joining online forums helps you learn from other owners.

While not cheap pets, mantis shrimps can provide years of enjoyment for the right owner. Their costs are very reasonable compared to advanced reef tanks or other exotic marine pets. If you have the passion and can meet their needs, a pet mantis shrimp may be an incredibly rewarding adventure!