Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp are aggressive, burrowing crustaceans that hunt using one of the fastest movements in the natural world. Although Mantis shrimp can be interesting augmentations to certain saltwater tanks, generally, they are viewed as a disturbance by aquarium hobbyists. These stomatopods can crack the calcified shells of crabs and snails or spear down unsuspecting fish with lighting speed. Their strike makes use of power-amplification mechanisms to move their limbs much faster than is possible by muscles alone. Nonetheless, if you are interested in keeping Mantis Shrimp as an aquarium pet or want to learn more about these unique creatures, this care guide will tell everything you need to know about them. 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. Quick Notes about Mantis Shrimp Name Mantis shrimp Other Names Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Thumb splitters, Prawn killers, Sea locusts Order Stomatopod Tank size (minimum) 10 gallons (~40 liters) Keeping Easy Breeding Easy Size 2.5 – 40 cm (1 – 15 Inches) Optimal Temperature 22 – 26°C (~72°F – 80°F) Water type SG = 1.018 – 1.025 Optimal PH 8.0 – 8.5 Optimal KH 8 – 16 Nitrate Less than 20 ppm Diet Carnivore Temperament Extremely aggressive Life span 3 – 6 years Color Form Vibrant multi-colure – Green, blue, red, orange Interesting fact: It is quite interesting but the Mantis shrimp is not a shrimp or mantis. They are stomatopods. About 340 million years ago (before the first dinosaurs appeared on the scene), they branched from other members of the class Malacostraca (shrimp, crabs, crayfish, and lobsters).