Keeping Them in a Community Reef Tank

Peacock Mantis Shrimp will often prey on snails, crabs, shrimp, and occasionally fish, making them unsuitable for most reef aquariums.

Underestimating Their Intelligence

These animals require enrichment, varied feeding, and a secure environment. Bored individuals may become destructive or attempt escape.

Not Providing a Proper Burrow

Without a suitable cave or burrow, Peacock Mantis Shrimp can become stressed and may continually rearrange rockwork in search of shelter.

Can a Peacock Mantis Shrimp really break aquarium glass?

While many stories exist online, modern aquariums of appropriate thickness are generally safe. However, Peacock Mantis Shrimp can crack thin glass containers, heaters, specimen cups, and poorly made tanks with powerful strikes.

How strong is a Peacock Mantis Shrimp punch?

A Peacock Mantis Shrimp can accelerate its striking appendage faster than a bullet leaves some firearms, delivering one of the fastest movements in the animal kingdom. The impact is powerful enough to crack shells and stun prey instantly.

Can you keep a Peacock Mantis Shrimp with fish?

Sometimes, but it is always a risk. Smaller fish, slow-moving fish, and bottom-dwelling species may eventually become prey. Most hobbyists achieve the best results with a species-only setup.

Do Peacock Mantis Shrimp recognise their owners?

Many aquarists report that Peacock Mantis Shrimp learn feeding schedules, watch activity outside the aquarium, and even approach the glass when familiar people enter the room. They are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent marine invertebrates.

What is the best tank setup for a Peacock Mantis Shrimp?

A dedicated aquarium with stable water parameters, secure rockwork, a burrow, and a sand bed provides the ideal environment. PVC pipes hidden within rockwork are commonly used as artificial burrows.

Why is my Peacock Mantis Shrimp hiding all the time?

Newly introduced mantis shrimp often spend days or weeks establishing a burrow. Hiding can also occur before moulting, after moulting, or when the animal feels threatened.

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Aquamarine Aquaristic

Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)

Name: Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)
Brand: Aquamarine Aquaristic
SKU: 49019572617462
Price: 105.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$105.00 ~~$150.00~~ Save $45 each

Only 2 available

Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) Description The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is one of the most intelligent and fascinating marine invertebrates available in the aquarium hobby. Famous for its vibrant colours...

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Description

Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) Description

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is one of the most intelligent and fascinating marine invertebrates available in the aquarium hobby. Famous for its vibrant colours and lightning-fast striking ability, this species is neither a true shrimp nor a typical reef inhabitant. Using powerful club-like appendages, Peacock Mantis Shrimp can crack the shells of snails, crabs, and other hard-shelled prey with incredible force. They are highly interactive, often recognising feeding routines and displaying curious behaviour toward their owners. Due to their predatory nature, Peacock Mantis Shrimp are best kept in dedicated species-only aquariums where their unique personality can be fully appreciated.

Shipping To Tasmania	NO
Shipping To Western Australia	NO

Husbandry

Care guide

Care difficulty

BeginnerModerateExpert

Moderate

Temperament

SkittishPeacefulSemi-agg.Aggressive

Aggressive

Maximum size 18cm

0 cm 15 cm 30 cm

Recommended Stocking

120 litres

Reef safe

No

Diet

Peacock Mantis Shrimp are carnivorous predators and feed on: Crabs, Snails, Mussels, Prawns, Marine fish flesh, Frozen seafood

Avoid these pitfalls

Common mistakes to avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls when caring for marine livestock.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp will often prey on snails, crabs, shrimp, and occasionally fish, making them unsuitable for most reef aquariums.
These animals require enrichment, varied feeding, and a secure environment. Bored individuals may become destructive or attempt escape.
Without a suitable cave or burrow, Peacock Mantis Shrimp can become stressed and may continually rearrange rockwork in search of shelter.

Help centre

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and shipping.

While many stories exist online, modern aquariums of appropriate thickness are generally safe. However, Peacock Mantis Shrimp can crack thin glass containers, heaters, specimen cups, and poorly made tanks with powerful strikes.
A Peacock Mantis Shrimp can accelerate its striking appendage faster than a bullet leaves some firearms, delivering one of the fastest movements in the animal kingdom. The impact is powerful enough to crack shells and stun prey instantly.
Sometimes, but it is always a risk. Smaller fish, slow-moving fish, and bottom-dwelling species may eventually become prey. Most hobbyists achieve the best results with a species-only setup.
Many aquarists report that Peacock Mantis Shrimp learn feeding schedules, watch activity outside the aquarium, and even approach the glass when familiar people enter the room. They are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent marine invertebrates.
A dedicated aquarium with stable water parameters, secure rockwork, a burrow, and a sand bed provides the ideal environment. PVC pipes hidden within rockwork are commonly used as artificial burrows.
Newly introduced mantis shrimp often spend days or weeks establishing a burrow. Hiding can also occur before moulting, after moulting, or when the animal feels threatened.