Common name: Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Scientific name: Gonodactylus chiragra (Fabricius, 1781)
Gonodactylus chiragra in Kuroshima Island, Okinawa Prefecture

General information

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Gonodactylus chiragra, is a strikingly colorful member of the stomatopod family. Known for their vibrant hues and complex behaviors, these mantis shrimps are a fascinating addition to any species-specific aquarium. They possess powerful raptorial appendages capable of delivering a swift punch to capture prey or defend their territory.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
18 cm (7″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots and stable rockwork
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys various meats, frozen or live
Reefsafe
No May break snails, clams for food
Aggression
Aggresive Can be territorial, aggressive to tankmates
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Arthropods
    Arthropoda
  3. Class
    Malacostraca
    Malacostraca
  4. Order
    Mantis Shrimp
    Stomatopoda
  5. Family
    Mantis Shrimp
    Gonodactylidae
  6. Genus
    Mantis Shrimp
    Gonodactylus
  7. Species
    Peacock Mantis Shrimp
    Gonodactylus chiragra (Fabricius, 1781)

Care

Peacock Mantis Shrimps require a specialized aquarium setup due to their burrowing behavior and strength. A tank with a thick glass or acrylic walls and a secure lid is essential to prevent escape. Live rock formations for hiding and a sandy substrate for burrowing are necessary. They are aggressive and should not be housed with other tank mates.

Reproduction

In captivity, breeding Peacock Mantis Shrimps can be challenging. They are solitary creatures, and pairing them can lead to aggression. However, with careful observation and separate enclosures, breeding success is possible. The female carries the fertilized eggs until they hatch into larvae.

Habitat

Gonodactylus chiragra is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the Western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble areas, often creating burrows in sandy or muddy substrates.