Common name: Australian pineapplefish
General information
The Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Cleidopus gloriamaris, is a species of mantis shrimp known for its vibrant colors and powerful hunting abilities. This species is one of the larger mantis shrimps and can reach up to 18 centimeters in length. They are highly prized in the aquarium trade for their striking appearance, but they require specialized care due to their aggressive nature and complex behaviors.
Mantis shrimps are known for their unique raptorial appendages which they use to hunt prey. The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is a 'smasher' type, using these appendages to deliver powerful blows to crack open the shells of mollusks and crustaceans.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 45 cm (1′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & open swimming
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live foods; can adapt to frozen
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May eat small fish & inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive to smaller tankmates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderSquirrelfishBeryciformes
- FamilyPinecone FishMonocentridae
- GenusVelvetfishCleidopus
- SpeciesAustralian pineapplefishCleidopus gloriamaris De Vis, 1882
- SynonymsCleidopus gloriamaris occidentalis Whitley, 1931
Care
Peacock Mantis Shrimps need a species-specific tank setup with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. The tank should be equipped with a secure lid, as they are known to be escape artists. They are best kept alone due to their aggressive tendencies towards other tank mates. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and mollusks is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Peacock Mantis Shrimps are solitary except when mating. They perform complex mating rituals and the females lay eggs in burrows. In captivity, breeding is challenging and not commonly achieved.
Habitat
Peacock Mantis Shrimps are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from Guam to the eastern coast of Africa. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble areas, often creating burrows in sandy or muddy substrates.
Their natural habitat includes a range of depths, but they are most commonly found at depths of less than 40 meters.