Mantis Shrimp - Peacock

Shrimp are active, entertaining and easy to keep. They shed their shells as they grow, and afterwards need to hide in the rock until their new shell hardens. Shrimp are highly excitable when food is present, and will do anything to get it. Some species may pester corals by attempting to reach food the coral has eaten. In this situation the shrimp should be provided food first. Large individuals may catch and consume smaller species.

An intelligent and efficient predator, the Mantis shrimp is actually a stomatopod and makes a wonderful pet in its own aquarium. It can learn to recognize human faces and identify its owner. It is easy to feed on chopped seafood such as krill and clams. It has a smasher-type claw designed to crack the shell of crabs and other hard-shelled creatures, and may also hunt fish. Care should be taken as it may also injure the hand that feeds it. Large individuals are capable of cracking glass so acrylic aquariums are recommended.

The Mantis shrimp prefers dim lighting and plenty of rockwork and sand to create a borrow for itself. Rocks placed in a cave formation will help it feel secure. It may grow up to 6 inches and be a rainbow of colors including emerald, sapphire and ruby.