Mantis Shrimp In Reef Tank – a Pest or a Pet?

Mantis shrimp can be a great addition to your reef tank, but there are some things you need to know before you add one. These colorful and interesting creatures can be both pests and pets depending on their behavior in your tank.

In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of keeping mantis shrimp in a reef tank with corals. We will help you decide if they are right for your aquarium!

Mantis shrimp are known for their vibrant colors and interesting patterns. They are a popular addition to many reef tanks because of their unique appearance. However, mantis shrimp can be aggressive and destructive creatures. If not cared for properly, they can quickly destroy your corals and other tank inhabitants.

Two types of Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimps are divided into two categories: ‘spearers’ and ‘smashers.’ Both species use the raptorial claw to rapidly unfold and swing at the prey.

Spearers – have a long, sharp claw that they use to impale their prey. Spiny appendages (elongated, open dactyls) are present on spears. They use them to pierce soft-bodied animals, such as earthworms and fish. The Mantis shrimp’s usual distance from which they start their assaults is about 1 – 3 cm.

Smashers – have a shorter and thicker claws that they use to bash and crush their prey. The Smashers have club-like appendages that are more developed (highly calcified, large dactyls) and can bludgeon and smash their hard-shelled prey (such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, snails, etc.) to bits.

Meanwhile, both of them have excellent binocular vision and can see in color.

What fish can live with a mantis shrimp?

Mantis shrimp are not compatible with most fish because they will either eat the fish or damage them with their claws. If you have a mantis shrimp in your reef tank, it is best to keep them alone or with other mantis shrimp.

There are a number of different fish that can live in reef tanks with mantis shrimp. Some of the more popular choices include clownfish, wrasse, and dottybacks. While these are all good choices, it is important to remember that each fish has specific needs and requirements.

For example, clownfish need an anemone to survive, while wrasse and dottybacks do not. It is important to do your research before adding any fish to your reef tank to make sure they will be compatible with the other inhabitants.

Here is a list of fish that can live in a reef tank with a mantis shrimp:.

• Clownfish
• Wrasse
• Dottyback
• Cardinalfish
• Anthias
• Basslets

While mantis shrimp can be both pests and pets, it is up to you to decide if they are right for your reef tank. If you have the time and patience to care for them properly, mantis shrimp can be a great addition to your aquarium.

Here’s a quick video of mantis shrimp with clownfish in a reef tank:

Is it hard to keep a mantis shrimp in a reef tank?

Mantis shrimp are not the easiest creatures to keep in a reef tank. They require a lot of care and attention, and they can be very aggressive. If you are not prepared to dedicate the time and effort necessary to care for a mantis shrimp, it is best to avoid adding one to your reef tank.

Mantis shrimp are beautiful and interesting creatures, but they are not for everyone. If you are thinking about adding a mantis shrimp to your reef tank, be sure to do your research and make sure you are prepared to care for them properly.

Mantis shrimp are opportunistic predators and will eat anything they can catch. They are especially fond of small fish and crustaceans. If you have mantis shrimp in your reef tank, it is important to monitor their behavior closely. If you see them attacking or eating your other fish, you may need to remove them from the tank.

How big of a tank does a mantis shrimp need?

Mantis shrimp can grow to be quite large, up to 18 cm in length. They require a lot of space to roam and explore, so it is important to provide them with a large tank. A minimum tank size of 50 gallons is recommended for mantis shrimp.

The lifespan of Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp typically live for about three to five years. However, if they are well cared for and provided with everything they need, they can live for up to ten years.

As you can see, mantis shrimp are not the easiest creatures to keep in a reef tank. They require a lot of care and attention, and they can be very aggressive. If you are not prepared to dedicate the time and effort necessary to care for a mantis shrimp, it is best to avoid adding one to your reef tank.

How to feed mantis shrimp in reef tank?

Mantis shrimp are not picky eaters and will pretty much eat anything they can catch. In the wild, they typically eat small fish and crustaceans. In a reef tank, you can feed them frozen or live food, as well as pellets and flakes.

It is important to remember that mantis shrimp are opportunistic predators and will eat anything they can catch. If you have mantis shrimp in your reef tank, it is important to monitor their behavior closely.

Can 2 mantis shrimp live together?

Mantis shrimp are typically solitary creatures and do not do well when kept with other mantis shrimp. In fact, they are known to be quite aggressive and will often fight to the death. If you want to keep more than one mantis shrimp in your reef tank, it is best to provide them with plenty of hiding places and a large tank. Otherwise, it is best to stick to keeping just one mantis shrimp.

Final Verdict

Reef tanks are becoming more and more popular, but one of the questions people often have is whether or not they can keep a mantis shrimp in their tank. The answer to this question is not always straightforward, as there are pros and cons to having a mantis shrimp in your reef tank.

On the one hand, they can also be considered pests because they can damage coral and other tank inhabitants. In the end, it is up to each individual aquarist to decide whether or not a mantis shrimp is right for their reef tank.

If you decide to add a mantis shrimp to your reef tank, it’s important to do your research so that you know what to expect and how to care for them. With the right information, keeping a mantis shrimp in your reef tank can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your fishy friends.

Related article: The Top Fish to Avoid for your Reefs: How to Keep Your Tank Healthy and Stable

Jim Sabellico

I am the founder of J. Louis, a digital marketing agency focused on providing innovative solutions and strategies built on a foundation of creative design and technology. A family man who loves travel and reef tanks, I’ve been coined as a jack of all trades, master of a few of them, most specifically website and sales funnel design, monetization and growth strategies, and viral marketing. I began pursuing my passions for business by cutting my neighbor’s lawns when I was just 8 years old and never looked back. Over the past 20 years, I have amassed significant experience providing consulting, design and development services for Fortune 500 companies, government, retail, private individuals, and A-list celebrities.