Description

Peacock Mantis Shrimp For Sale Overview

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) is one of the most colorful and fascinating marine crustaceans in the aquarium hobby. Known for its vibrant rainbow-like coloration and powerful striking ability, this shrimp is a standout species for experienced marine aquarists. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Peacock Mantis Shrimp inhabit coral reefs and rocky crevices, where they hunt and defend their burrows.

Behavior & Temperament

Peacock Mantis Shrimp are predatory and territorial. They are famous for their highly specialized raptorial claws, capable of delivering lightning-fast strikes to capture prey or defend themselves. While incredibly fascinating to observe, they are aggressive toward other tank inhabitants, and they should never be kept with fish, crabs, or other shrimp in the same aquarium. Most hobbyists keep them in species-specific tanks or with invertebrates that are too large or too tough to be attacked.

Care & Tank Requirements

Caring for a Peacock Mantis Shrimp requires a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and a secure substrate for burrowing. Ideal water conditions include:

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Stable ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels

These shrimp thrive when provided with a diet of meaty foods, such as small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Regular feeding of high-quality marine foods supports their health and vibrant coloration.

Mantis Shrimp for Sale: Interesting Facts

• Peacock mantis shrimp have exceptional vision, with complex eyes capable of detecting polarized light and distinguishing many more colors than humans.

• They are classified as either “smasher” or “spearer” types, with the peacock mantis shrimp being the smashing variety. Their strikes are so fast that they can break aquarium glass if not properly contained.

• Their burrowing behavior is natural and necessary for their well-being, so a deep sand bed or rubble substrate is recommended.

Purchasing & Safety Notes

Peacock Mantis Shrimp are not beginner-friendly and should only be purchased by experienced marine aquarists. When considering a purchase, ensure you have a secure tank setup that can handle their strength and predatory nature.