Mantis shrimp have a reputation for being dangerous. They are known to be able to break aquarium glass and even seriously hurt a careless fisherman’s hand. These crustaceans are surprisingly intelligent, with complex social interactions and voracious predatory behavior. However, the exact mantis shrimp diet differs based on the species at hand.
The peacock mantis shrimp, also known as Odontodactylus scyllarus, is a stunningly beautiful crustacean found in coral reefs and other tropical marine habitats. With their rainbow-like colors and formidable hunting abilities, these shrimp have captivated the interest of both scientists and aquarium enthusiasts alike. But what exactly makes up the diet of these extraordinary animals? Let’s take a deep dive into the eating habits of peacock mantis shrimp.
An Overview of the Peacock Mantis Shrimp
Before we get into their diet specifics, let’s go over some quick facts about peacock mantis shrimp. These marine crustaceans grow to around 7 inches in length and feature an array of dazzling colors like green, blue, orange, pink and purple. They have large bulbous eyes that can move independently and give them excellent vision.
Peacock mantis shrimp live solitary lives in burrows on coral reefs and sandy or muddy bottoms in the Indian and Pacific Oceans They are ferocious predators armed with raptorial appendages that can deliver incredibly fast and strong punches In fact, their punches are among the fastest in the animal kingdom, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph underwater!
Now that we know a little more about these colorful creatures, let’s examine their dietary habits.
Hunting Techniques and Behaviors
Peacock mantis shrimp are opportunistic hunters that will feed throughout the day and night. They often lay motionless, waiting to ambush prey that passes by their burrows. Once prey comes in range, the shrimp strike out with lightning speed using their raptorial appendages.
These specialized front limbs fold under their bodies and unfurl for powerful punches. The club-like shape gives rise to their alternate name of ‘smasher mantis shrimp’. Their mighty blows crack open hard shells and paralyze prey. After landing a hit, they will further incapacitate prey by spearing and tearing flesh with sharp appendage spines.
Peacock mantis shrimp are extremely territorial and will fight off intruders in their burrows. They will even hunt and kill other mantis shrimp that encroach on their space using their lethal strikes.
Preferred Prey Species
Now onto the prey that make up the bulk of the peacock mantis shrimp diet.
Crustaceans
The go-to prey for peacock mantis shrimp are crustaceans like crabs, lobsters and hermit crabs. Their heavy claws can easily crack open the tough exoskeletons of these marine arthropods. Crab species commonly eaten include box crabs, porcelain crabs, spider crabs and hairy hermit crabs.
After busting open the shell, the shrimp devour the soft inner flesh. The crushing blows often shatter limbs and claws, allowing easy access to crab bodies. Peacock mantis shrimp will also hunt shrimp and other mantis shrimp species for food.
Mollusks
Shelled mollusks like snails, clams and oysters also feature heavily in the diet. The mantis shrimp’s strikes crack open their sturdy shells, allowing access to the animal inside. Their sharp appendages can then pierce the mollusk bodies for eating.
Some oft-eaten species are giant clams, top snails, turban snails, zebra nerite snails and feather duster worms. Baby octopuses are also occasionally eaten when they wander into a hungry mantis shrimp’s domain.
Fish
Small bony fish get snatched up by peacock mantis shrimp as well. Hunting fish requires stealth and lightning speed as they are more mobile than shelled animals. Ambush strikes work well on small, bottom-dwelling species like blennies, gobies and triggerfish.
In home aquariums, peacock mantis shrimp are notorious for capturing and eating ornamental fish tankmates. Fish caudal peduncles (the narrow part behind the fin) are often a weak spot that their strikes target.
Foraging for Food in the Wild
When foraging for food, peacock mantis shrimp will actively patrol their territories, poking their heads out to scan for prey. They keep the front ends of their burrows open for easy access. Some may also construct small net-like traps from sand near their burrows to help corral prey.
At night, they emerge from their burrows more often to hunt since many prey species also become more active in the dark. Their excellent vision equips them for low light hunts.
In the wild, peacock mantis shrimp spend a good deal of time handling and consuming food. They diligently work to break through tough shells and cut out flesh. Strong mouthparts help tear and bite off chunks of meat.
Eating in Captivity
For peacock mantis shrimp kept in aquarium settings, owners should replicate their diverse diet as much as possible. Live foods are ideal including small crabs, shrimp, mollusks and fish. Snap off claws and crack shells to allow access to flesh if the shrimp struggles with opening live prey.
Alternatively, dead seafood can be fed including pieces of fish, shrimp, scallop, clam, mussel and squid. Some owners have had success getting picky eaters to eat by wiggling meat strips with tongs to mimic live movement. Make sure to closely monitor water quality with meaty foods.
In addition to animal protein, occasionally offer seaweed-based pellets and supplements containing algae, plankton and kelp to round out nutritional requirements.
Hunting Prowess on Display
When observing peacock mantis shrimp feed, one can’t help but be impressed by their astounding hunting abilities. Their lethal strikes require intricate coordination of muscles, nerves and rugged appendages.
These efficient predators can capture and process a wide variety of prey found in their environments. Watching them dismantle crabs, snails and fish gives you a true appreciation for their strength and speed.
Mantis Shrimp Diet: Spearers
Spearers and smashers generally specialize in different types of prey. Because spearers use sharpened appendages, they typically prefer softer prey. Some prey examples include squid, worms, octopus and fish. This group prefers to use ambush as their hunting strategy. They hide within a burrow and swiftly strike out when prey wanders too close.
An example of a spearer hunting style mantis shrimp species is Squilla empusa. This species lives in the soft, muddy bottom of the Chesapeake Bay. It primarily hunts for fish, other mantis shrimp, krill, snails, worms and shrimp. Like most spearers, after its initial attack, it pulls its catch back inside its burrow to eat it.
Mantis Shrimp Raptorial Appendages
There are two types of raptorial appendages on different species of mantis shrimp. These are the front pair of claws that they use to catch prey. The first type bears the highly scientific name spearers. Spearers have several sharp barbs on their claws that they use to stab their prey.
The second type has an equally scientific name, the smashers. Smashers have a hardened club-like section on their front claws that they use to batter their prey with. This group packs an incredible punch. Their strike would apply the same force as a small gun if applied at human scale.
Ultimate Giant Mantis Shrimp: Beginners Care Guide
What do mantis shrimp eat?
Their preferences vary based upon the type of mantis shrimp. Smashers prefer prey with hard shells that are difficult for other animals to feed on. They will eat snails, oysters, crabs, other crustaceans, and mollusks. Spearers cannot pierce tough outer shells, and thus primarily feed on soft-bodied animals like fish.
What do peacock mantis eat?
Their usual diet consists of gastropods, crabs, and mollusks, and sometimes even other peacock mantis shrimp. To hunt, these shrimps often dig themselves into shallow, u-shaped burrows and remain almost completely still until an unsuspecting victim passes by.
Do peacock mantis shrimps eat crabs?
Peacock Mantis Shrimps eat crabs as they are among their favorite foods. Crustaceans are part of their diet, and they can easily defeat a crab with their smasher claw.
What is a peacock mantis shrimp?
Peacock mantis shrimp, scientifically known as Odontodactylus scyllarus, are large and colorful crustaceans measuring 1.2 to 7.1 inches in length. They get their name from their kaleidoscope shell, which resembles a peacock’s tail, and their hinged forearms that resemble those of a praying mantis.