Peacock Mantis Shrimp
Gonodactylus smithii
Also known as: Smith's Mantis Shrimp
A powerful reef predator that punches with the force of a bullet.
About
Found across a range spanning the Red Sea to the waters around New Caledonia, Gonodactylus smithii is a mantis shrimp with a reputation that precedes it. Like other members of the smashing mantis shrimp group, this species uses a pair of heavily calcified raptorial appendages, called dactyl clubs, to deliver blows of remarkable force, capable of cracking open hard-shelled prey like snails, crabs, and clams with ease. In the wild it typically occupies rocky rubble zones and reef habitats, where it claims a burrow or crevice as a home base and defends it aggressively. That territorial nature carries straight into captivity: this is strictly a single-specimen animal, and housing it with anything it can catch is a recipe for losses. The aquarium it goes into should be considered its permanent, dedicated home, since the force of its strikes can shatter standard glass panels. Many keepers opt for acrylic or tempered glass setups specifically for mantis shrimp. Despite all the caveats, Gonodactylus smithii is genuinely rewarding to keep for someone who appreciates an intelligent, interactive invertebrate with real personality. It quickly learns to recognize its keeper and can become surprisingly bold at feeding time.
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Peacock Mantis Shrimp
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Peacock Mantis Shrimp aggressive?
- The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Peacock Mantis Shrimp eat?
- The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.