Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus Scyllarus)

Species Name : Odontodactylus Scyllarus

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Aggressive

Color : Red, Blue, Green

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size : 7"

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Gonodactylidae

Supplements : Calcium, Iodine

Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus Scyllarus), commonly known as the harlequin mantis shrimp, painted mantis shrimp, clown mantis shrimp or rainbow mantis shrimp, is a large stomatopod native to the epipelagic seabed across the Indo-Pacific. Mantis shrimps get their name from their appearance. 

Odontodactylus Scyllarus is one of the larger, more colourful mantis shrimps commonly seen, ranging in size from 3–18 cm (1.2–7.1 in). They are primarily green with orange legs and leopard-like spots on the anterior carapace. They have a second pair of prey-catching arms that are greatly enlarged, like Mantises. They have large colorful eyes that are either blue or green rimmed and their bodies exhibit many bright colors. Males are more flashy, while females will usually be redder overall.

A sandy bottom with plenty of rubble and at least one piece of live rock should be provided for these shrimp to create a cave.

These are extremely aggressive shrimp that should be housed alone in a species aquarium. The Peacock Mantis Shrimp should be housed in an aquarium that is devoted to this species. They have very quick claws that they use to break the shell of crustaceans and crabs. They should not be housed with fish or other invertebrates, unless they are very large, and caution should still be exercised. 

Some mantis shrimp species are monogamous, remaining with the same partner for up to 20 years. They live to together in the same burrow, and both male and female take care of the eggs.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp are powerful hunters, feeding on hard-shelled invertebrates of all kinds and even some fishes. They are well known for the extremely fast punching motion that they do with their front appendages to kill and break apart their prey. The diet of a Odontodactylus Scyllarus should include live feeder fish, crabs and frozen meaty foods such as fish, scallop and shrimp.

Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4-1/2"; Large: 4-1/2" to 6"