Striated Mantis Shrimp

Care Summary

The Striated Mantis Shrimp is the largest mantis shrimp commonly kept in captivity, a spearer-type predator that can reach over 15 inches and is built to ambush fish and shrimp from a burrow in the sand. This animal is a species-only specimen tank inhabitant, full stop, it cannot be kept with any fish, invertebrates, or corals without them becoming a meal or a casualty of territorial aggression. Mantis shrimp are powerful enough to crack standard aquarium glass with a strike, so thick acrylic or tempered glass tanks are essential, and always use caution when reaching into the tank as a strike can break a finger. Feed it live or fresh-frozen meaty prey like ghost shrimp, small fish, clams, or mussels every few days, dropping food directly into or near the entrance of its burrow.