Why the Mantis Shrimp Defies Biology

A closer look at the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, its extraordinary abilities, and what it takes to keep one in a marine aquarium.

By Amar Salvi, Editor — The Weekend Aquarist

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is famous for two extraordinary abilities: incredible vision and a devastating punch. Its eyes are considered among the most complex in the animal kingdom, capable of seeing polarised light and a spectrum of colours far beyond human capability. Its striking appendages are equally remarkable. A Mantis Shrimp can strike with a force described as that of a .22 calibre bullet, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h underwater. In an aquarium, that power means it can crack the shells of crabs, snails and fish, while thin aquarium glass can potentially be damaged as well.

Keeping the Peacock Mantis Shrimp in Marine Tanks

Among the vibrant biodiversity of Indo-Pacific waters, few creatures command as much respect and fascination as the Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus). Known to local divers and seasoned aquarists as the “Peacock Mantis,” this crustacean is not just visually striking. For the Indian hobbyist looking to move beyond the usual reef setup, the Peacock Mantis offers a unique, challenging and rewarding experience. Its appearance, behaviour and highly specialised adaptations make it a very different kind of marine inhabitant.

A Marvel of Engineering and Evolution

The Mantis Shrimp's vision is one of its most remarkable characteristics. Its eyes are considered among the most complex in the animal kingdom, allowing it to see polarised light and a spectrum of colours beyond human capability. Its “smashing” appendages are equally impressive. A Mantis Shrimp can strike with a force equivalent to a .22 calibre bullet and reach speeds of up to 80 km/h underwater. That powerful strike is something an aquarist must account for. The shrimp can crack the shells of crabs, snails and fish, and if the aquarium glass is too thin, the tank itself may also be at risk.

Setting Up Your “Smashing” Aquarium

Housing a Peacock Mantis is quite different from setting up a standard community marine tank. Because of its predatory nature, it requires a dedicated setup. A minimum tank size of 100-120 litres is recommended for an adult. Thick glass or reinforced tempered glass is highly recommended because standard thin glass can be vulnerable to its powerful strike. The shrimp also needs a burrow. In the wild, it lives in U-shaped burrows, so the aquarium should provide a thick sand bed of at least 3-4 inches, mixed with rubble. A pre-made burrow using PVC pipes buried under the sand can also help the shrimp feel secure.Although Peacock Mantis Shrimp look striking under lights, moderate lighting with plenty of shaded areas is considered ideal. Filtration is also important. They are messy eaters, making a protein skimmer and regular water changes essential for keeping nitrates in check.

Diet and Interactive Feeding

The Peacock Mantis is a specialised carnivore. To keep them healthy and to witness their natural hunting behaviour, they should be offered a variety of hard-shelled prey. This includes live snails or small sea crabs, fresh prawns and squid pieces enriched with vitamins, and occasional clams or mussels to keep their smashing appendages in good working order. Feeding also reveals another side of the animal's behaviour. One of the most engaging aspects of keeping a Mantis is its intelligence. Like the Pea Puffers of the Western Ghats, these shrimps are highly observant. They may sit at the entrance of their burrow, tracking movement across the room with their expressive eyes.

Tank Mates: A Word of Caution

The rule of thumb for a Peacock Mantis is simple: if it moves, it is food. They are generally not compatible with fish, other shrimp or crabs. While some hobbyists may have had luck keeping them alongside very fast-swimming fish, it remains a gamble. For this reason, the Peacock Mantis is best kept in a species-only display where it can be the undisputed king of its domain.

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is not a pet for the casual hobbyist. It requires a specialised environment and respect for its power. For those in the Indian marine community who are looking for an animal with genuine personality and an unparalleled visual experience, however, there may be few creatures quite like it. It is a striking reminder of the fierce and beautiful life found just beyond our own coastlines.

Read the full story

The complete feature takes a deeper look at the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, from its remarkable vision and striking ability to aquarium requirements, feeding behaviour and the challenges of keeping this extraordinary predator. Read the complete story in the December 2025 issue of The Weekend Aquarist.

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