An interesting video of a Mantis Shrimp in action. There are many species of Mantis Shrimp, some larger than others. Most are small and introduced accidentally with the live rock. The larger ornamental Mantis shrimp are often specially purchased. There shrimp are very aggressive may have a hammer or spear claw used to capture and kill prey. Mantis Shrimp are extremely intelligent and fast, so caution should be taken when handling.
Clown Mantis Shrimp
(Odontodactylus scyllarus)
QUICK STATS
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Blue, Green, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Gonodactylidae
Swim Level: Bottom
The Clown Mantis Shrimp, also referred to as the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, is included in the Smashing Mantis Shrimp group. They are very interesting shrimp that resemble the praying mantis insect. They have large colorful eyes that are either blue or green rimmed and their bodies exhibit many bright colors. The main part of the body is green with red outlines on the shell. These are extremely aggressive shrimp that should be housed alone in a species aquarium.
The Clown Mantis Shrimp should be housed in an aquarium that is devoted to this species. Only one shrimp should be kept in the aquarium. They have very quick claws that they use to break the shell of crustaceans and crabs. They should not be housed with fish or other invertebrates, unless they are very large, and caution should still be exercised. A sandy bottom with plenty of rubble and at least one piece of live rock should be provided for these shrimp to create a cave.
The diet of a Clown Mantis Shrimp should include live feeder fish, crabs and frozen meaty foods such as fish, scallop and shrimp.
Mantis Shrimp are some of the smartest creatures living in our home aquariums, they can also be some of the most dangerous. They often come in as live rock hitch hikers and can devistate a tank. Watch the video of the poor emerald crab. Other more fancy ones, like this Peacock Mantis Shrimp are sold specifically at stores.
