Common name: Peacock Mantis Shrimp
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumArthropodsArthropoda
- ClassMalacostracansMalacostraca
- OrderMantis ShrimpStomatopoda
- FamilyMantis ShrimpGonodactylidae
- GenusMantis ShrimpGonodactylus
- SpeciesPeacock Mantis ShrimpGonodactylus 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.