Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)
Max Size: 6inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No. Will eat small fish and invertebrates.
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
The Peacock Mantis Shrimp, also known as the Clown Mantis Shrimp, belongs to the Smashing Mantis Shrimp group and is a truly fascinating creature reminiscent of a praying mantis insect. These shrimps feature striking and vibrant attributes, with large, colorful eyes rimmed in either blue or green and a predominantly green body adorned with red outlines on the shell. It's important to note that Clown Mantis Shrimps are highly aggressive and are best kept in a dedicated species aquarium on their own.
When setting up an aquarium for the Clown Mantis Shrimp, it's essential to have a single shrimp as the sole inhabitant. These shrimps possess lightning-fast claws that they use to break the shells of crustaceans and crabs. It's advisable to avoid housing them with fish or other invertebrates, unless those tank mates are exceptionally large, and even then, caution should be exercised. To create an ideal environment, provide a sandy substrate with plenty of rubble and at least one piece of live rock, which the shrimp can utilize to create a cave-like shelter.
For their dietary needs, the Clown Mantis Shrimp should be offered a menu that includes live feeder fish, crabs, and a variety of frozen meaty foods, such as fish, scallops, and shrimp. This diverse diet ensures their nutritional requirements are met for a healthy and thriving life in captivity.
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