Mantis shrimps also known as thumb splitters are one of the most fascinating creatures that inhabit our oceans. Their brightly colored bodies and incredible speed make them truly remarkable animals. Many aquarists dream of adding a mantis shrimp to their saltwater aquariums. However, finding a healthy mantis shrimp specimen can be tricky. In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how and where to get a mantis shrimp for your aquarium.
Before we dive into the details of acquiring a mantis shrimp, let’s start with a quick overview of these incredible creatures. Mantis shrimps belong to the order Stomatopoda and get their name from their raptorial front appendages that can strike with the speed and force of a .22 caliber bullet. They use these powerful claws to smash or impale their prey.
There are over 450 species of mantis shrimp found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They inhabit shallow reefs and sandy or muddy bottoms from shallow intertidal zones to depths exceeding 70 meters. Mantis shrimps live solitary lives in burrows within the sediment or coral and rock crevices.
These aggressive crustaceans have a complex visual system with up to 16 color receptive cones For comparison, humans only have 3 which allows mantis shrimps to see colors far beyond our visual spectrum. Everything about these animals is optimized for speed and hunting ability They are voracious predators that play an important role in controlling prey populations on the reef.
In the aquarium trade, there are two main groups of mantis shrimps that aquarists seek – smashers and spearees. Smashers have club-like raptorial appendages designed for crushing shells while spearees have sharp, barbed appendages for impaling soft-bodied prey. We’ll go over the details of choosing a species later in this guide.
Benefits of Keeping a Mantis Shrimp
Mantis shrimps make a fascinating addition to a saltwater aquarium. Here are some of the main benefits of keeping one of these incredible creatures:
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Unique Appearance: Mantis shrimps have an alien-like appearance unlike any other aquarium inhabitant. Their vibrant colors and striking eyes will make them a real showstopper in your tank.
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Interesting Behaviors: These active predators exhibit complex behaviors like cleaning themselves, rearranging their burrows, displaying to potential mates, and hunting for food. They are highly interactive and entertaining to observe.
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Help Control Pests: Mantis shrimps will help keep populations of nuisance snails, bristle worms, and other undesirables in check through predation.
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Hardy Animals: Mantis shrimps tend to be quite hardy and tolerant of a range of water parameters as long as their basic needs are met. They can make a great choice for beginner to advanced aquarists.
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Reuse Burrows: Their burrows provide shelter for shrimp, fish, and other organisms even after the mantis shrimp vacates them. The burrows help add diversity to your tank.
Of course, there are also some challenges that come with mantis shrimp care which we will cover later on. But overall, their stunning appearance, behaviors, and hardiness make them an excellent choice for adding diversity to a saltwater tank.
Acquiring a Mantis Shrimp
Finding a healthy mantis shrimp specimen is the first hurdle to successfully keeping one of these incredible creatures. There are a few different options for getting your hands on a mantis shrimp including:
Purchase from Your Local Fish Store
Checking the stock at local fish stores is an easy option for finding mantis shrimp. Stores that carry saltwater livestock, especially those that focus on invertebrates, may have some mantis shrimp species available.
The advantage of buying locally is you can see and pick the exact individual you want. Check for signs of health like bright, vibrant coloration, intact appendages, and active movements. Avoid any specimens that are dull, pale, or acting lethargic.
The downside is local selection is limited. You may not find the species or size you are looking for. Availability can be highly seasonal as well. Be prepared that your local stores may not have any mantis shrimp in stock.
Order from an Online Retailer
Purchasing a mantis shrimp online opens up far more options. Online saltwater livestock retailers have access to a huge network of collectors and can get uncommon species from around the world. They often have a frequently changing inventory.
When buying online be sure to purchase from a reputable retailer with a proven track record of health and safe delivery for marine organisms. Read reviews and shop around to find a retailer you feel comfortable with.
Check the site frequently for new arrivals. Let the retailer know the specific species and size you want so they can watch for it and contact you when it comes in. Pay for expedited overnight shipping with temperature control and monitoring for the best chance of arrival in peak condition.
Collecting Your Own
In certain areas, it is possible to collect your own mantis shrimp from local waters through shore collecting or SCUBA diving. You’ll need to research the legality, get any necessary permits, and find safe collection spots. Look for areas with rocky crevices, coral heads, and sheltered sandy areas where they like to burrow. Bring along some clear plastic tubes to safely contain the animals.
Collecting your own mantis shrimp allows you to observe them in their natural habitat. You can target a specific species. But it takes far more effort and diving skills. Only attempt if you have the proper local knowledge and experience.
Acquire from a Fellow Hobbyist
Another option is to connect with a local reefing club or check aquarium forums to find hobbyists in your area that may be breeding mantis shrimp. Mantis shrimp do occasionally breed in home aquariums allowing enthusiasts to offer captive-bred specimens for sale.
The advantage of getting a mantis shrimp from another hobbyist is the ability to see the actual rearing setup and conditions. You may also get valuable first-hand advice on care. Availability is somewhat limited though as captive breeding isn’t common.
With some searching through local and online sources, you should be able to track down a healthy mantis shrimp for sale. Be patient and persistent. Now let’s go over what to look for in a mantis shrimp when you find one available.
What to Look for When Buying a Mantis Shrimp
Whether viewing a mantis shrimp in person or looking at photos of one online, keep these things in mind when selecting a specimen:
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Species Compatibility: Pick a species appropriate for your tank size that will coexist well with any fish or inverts. Smashers need more space than spearees. Some are reef safe while others will wreak havoc.
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Color and Clarity: Look for vivid colors without any faded or white spots. The exoskeleton should be free of debris or damage. Watch for signs of healthy molting like clear windows along the body.
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Appetite: A healthy mantis shrimp will emerge from shelter seeking food. Make sure the one you choose has a strong feeding response.
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Activity Level: Pick one that is active and alert with natural looking movements. Avoid any acting sluggish, twitching, or having trouble swimming.
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Size: Select a manageable size for your tank. Adults of large species can exceed 6 inches. Make sure the retailer accurately identifies the size.
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Appendages: Check for intact paddles, antennae, and legs. Make sure the raptorial appendages are undamaged and closed at rest. Missing or open claws signal poor health.
Choosing the right mantis shrimp takes some research into species profiles and what your tank can support. Select the healthiest, most vibrant individual possible to start your new pet off right.
Setting Up a Suitable Habitat
One of the keys to mantis shrimp health and happiness is providing an appropriate habitat. Mantis shrimp have a few basic needs when it comes to their living space:
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Aquarium Size: A general rule is to provide at least 10 gallons of water per inch of mantis shrimp. Smashers need more space than spearees. Be sure to size your tank accordingly, erring on the larger side.
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Substrate: A fine sand or very small gravel allows them to burrow. Provide at least 6 inches of substrate. Some also like rubble piles for shelter.
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Hiding Spots: Offer an assortment of tight fitting hides like tubes, tunnels, clay pots, and rock overhangs. Provide more spots than shrimp to avoid conflicts.
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Filtration: Use robust filtration to handle waste from their heavy feeding. Canister filters work well. Avoid strong currents which may disturb their burrows.
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Protein Skimmer: A protein skimmer is recommended to eliminate organic waste these prolific feeders produce. Choose one rated for your size tank.
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Heating: Maintain a stable temperature between 72-78°F. Opt for a titanium heater to prevent damage from raptorial appendages.
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Lighting: Mantis shrimp don’t
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Mantis Shrimp Care & Where to Buy Mantis Shrimp
Where can I buy mantis shrimp?
Mantis shrimp are available for purchase from most aquarium supply stores and should be maintained in a cycled saltwater acrylic tank with aeration, filtration, and feeding every other day with frozen and/or live bait (e.g., snails, small crabs).
Where do mantis shrimp live?
Mantis shrimp are usually found in shallow subtropical or tropical waters, with some types or species occasionally found in sub-Antarctic waters. They are found along shores, usually living in an abandoned burrow to maneuver in, and bent capture prey when spotted.
Where can you eat mantis shrimp?
In the Mediterranean countries, the mantis shrimp Squilla mantis is a common seafood, especially on the Adriatic coasts ( canocchia) and the Gulf of Cádiz ( galera ). In the Philippines, the mantis shrimp is known as tatampal, hipong-dapa, pitik-pitik, or alupihang-dagat, and is cooked and eaten like any other shrimp.
Do mantis shrimp need a lot of care?
Mantis shrimp really do not require much care at all. This is one of the reasons why smaller mantis shrimp are the most popular with aquarium hobbyists. In addition, it is easy to obtain them for relatively low cost in many pet stores. Interesting fact: It is quite interesting but the Mantis shrimp is not a shrimp or mantis. They are stomatopods.