Where to Buy Mantis Shrimp: The Complete Guide

Mantis shrimp, also known as stomatopods, are marine crustaceans that make for unique and fascinating additions to saltwater aquariums With their vibrant colors, specialized hunting appendages, and captivating behaviors, mantis shrimp have become highly desirable in the marine aquarium hobby

However, finding available mantis shrimp for sale can be tricky for aquarists. Unlike common saltwater fish and invertebrates, mantis shrimp require more specialized care and are not as readily available at local fish stores. Purchasing them online presents risks as well, especially regarding shipping these delicate creatures.

This guide will provide key information on successfully locating and buying healthy mantis shrimp for your marine aquarium, We will cover

• What are Mantis Shrimp?
• Benefits of Keeping Mantis Shrimp
• Where to Buy Mantis Shrimp Online
• Choosing a Reputable Online Retailer
• Questions to Ask a Retailer
• Shipping Considerations
• Acclimating Your Mantis Shrimp

Follow these tips to find and buy stunning, healthy mantis shrimp from a trusted source and get them successfully into your saltwater tank.

What are Mantis Shrimp?

Mantis shrimp belong to the order Stomatopoda, which contains over 450 species across 16 families. They have an elongated body structure and specialized front appendages that resemble the grasping forelimbs of a praying mantis.

There are two main types of mantis shrimp based on their raptorial appendages:

• Spearers – Have spiny appendages for spearing and impaling prey. Examples are the Peacock Mantis Shrimp and Harlequin Shrimp.

• Smashers – Have club-like appendages used to bludgeon and smash prey. Examples are the Red-Banded Smasher and Zebra Smasher.

Mantis shrimp live in shallow tropical and subtropical marine waters, often hiding in holes and crevices in coral reefs. They are ambush predators that strike prey with incredible speed and force.

In the aquarium trade, the most commonly available species are the Peacock Mantis (Odontodactylus scyllarus), Red-Banded Smasher (Gonodactylus bredini), and Zebra Smasher (Gonodactyloides sp.).

Benefits of Keeping Mantis Shrimp

Here are some of the main reasons marine aquarists seek out these fascinating shrimp:

• Vibrant Colors – Species like the Peacock Mantis display electric hues of blue, green, and orange. Their colors really pop in tank lighting.

• Unique Appearance – The alien-like body shape and large specialized appendages make them an eye-catching addition.

• Interesting Behaviors – Mantis shrimp continuously rearrange their burrows and search for food. Their hunting techniques are mesmerizing to observe.

• Conversation Starter – As uncommon aquarium residents, mantis shrimp generate interest and inquires from aquarium guests. They are a true talking point.

While appealing for their appearance and behaviors, mantis shrimp do require specific care and housing considerations which we will discuss later on.

Where to Buy Mantis Shrimp Online

Finding mantis shrimp for sale locally at retail fish stores can be difficult as they are not common livestock. The best option is often to purchase them online through specialty aquarium e-commerce sites.

Buying online allows you access to mantis shrimp that may not be available in your local area. Reputable online retailers can also properly package and ship these delicate creatures right to your door.

However, buying sight unseen does involve risks. All living marine organisms face stress during shipping which can potentially be harmful or fatal. That’s why it’s critical to find a trusted online source.

Here are some top online retailers to purchase mantis shrimp:

• Saltwaterfish.com – Specializes in marine fish and inverts. good selection of mantis shrimp species.

• LiveAquaria.com – Large inventory of marine life including multiple mantis shrimp species.

• SaltyBottomReefCompany.com – Offers Peacock Mantis shrimp at competitive pricing.

• ThatFishPlace.com – Carries Spearer and Smasher Mantis shrimp varieties.

Take time browsing these and other specialty saltwater aquarium e-commerce sites. Compare pricing, shipping costs, species availability, and reviews.

Choosing a Reputable Online Retailer

While these large online retailers provide wide selections, smaller specialty aquaculture farms and private mantis shrimp breeders also offer sales online.

When buying from a lesser known source, ensure they are reputable by looking for these key indicators:

• Established Company – Research how long they have been in business and their overall reputation in the aquarium trade.

• Positive Reviews – Look for consistently favorable reviews on their livestock quality, packaging, shipping, and customer service.

• Knowledgeable Staff – A reliable retailer will have detailed product listings and staff available to answer husbandry questions.

• Healthy Livestock Guarantee – They should guarantee all mantis shrimp to arrive alive and healthy or offer replacements.

• Proper Shipping Methods – They should ship overnight and utilize insulation and heat packs to minimize transit stress.

While buying mantis shrimp online has risks, choosing a trusted retailer drastically improves your chances of success.

Questions to Ask a Retailer

Before purchasing mantis shrimp online, contact the retailer directly with any questions on their inventory, shipping practices, and guarantees.

Here are key questions to get the information you need:

• What species and size options do you currently have available?

• What are the collection origins of your mantis shrimp? (Aquaculture raised preferred).

• How are the mantis shrimp packaged for safe transit?

• Do you provide insulation and heat packs for temperature control?

• What shipping carriers and service levels do you use?

• What arrival alive guarantee do you offer if DOAs occur?

• Will you replace or refund if my mantis shrimp arrives deceased or unhealthy?

• How long after purchase until shipment goes out?

• How do I properly acclimate my mantis shrimp when they arrive?

A quality online vendor will provide detailed answers to these questions and help ensure your mantis shrimp purchase goes smoothly. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!

Shipping Considerations

To give your mantis shrimp the highest chance of arriving safely, choose overnight express shipping if available. The shorter transit time reduces risks.

Insist on proper insulation and heat packs to keep a stable temperature, as drastic temperature swings can be fatal. Ask the retailer to confirm when and how heat packs are added.

Avoid ordering mantis shrimp to be left without a direct signature or held at a pick-up location. The animals need to be unpacked and acclimated immediately upon arrival.

Be sure to be available on the guaranteed delivery date you are provided so you can get your new mantis shrimp into your aquarium as soon as possible. Having marine salt and supplies ready in advance allows you to start acclimation right away.

Acclimating Your Mantis Shrimp

Once your mantis shrimp package arrives, the priority is reducing shipping stress and getting them acclimated. Here is a proper acclimation process:

• Inspect the box for damage or leakage before opening.

• Carefully open the package and look for any deceased specimens that need removed.

• With the bag still sealed, float it in your tank water to equalize temperatures.

• After 30 minutes, open the bag and roll down the edges to lower salinity gradually.

• Add small amounts of tank water to the bag over 30 minute intervals.

• After 2 hours, use a net to gently transfer the mantis shrimp into your aquarium.

• Turn off lights and minimize activity for several hours to allow them to destress.

• Observe behaviors closely and ensure they begin eating within a few days.

With proper online purchasing, expedited shipping, and gentle acclimation, you can successfully add vibrant mantis shrimp to your saltwater aquarium. Just be sure to research their specific care requirements.

This guide covers the key steps to take when seeking out and buying these fascinating shrimp. Find a reputable source, ask questions, and use overnight shipping and careful acclimation. Your patience will pay off when you get to enjoy these captivating creatures in your underwater world!