Rainbow Mantis Shrimp

Size: Medium 

Does not play well with others and is best kept in its one aquarium 

The Rainbow Mantis Shrimp is a member of the smashing mantis shrimp family and is a fascinating marine animal known for its unusual appearance and behaviour. Its large eyes can have blue or green colouring around them, while its body displays a striking combination of colours, including a predominantly green body with red markings along the shell.

These shrimp are highly territorial and aggressive, so they are best kept by themselves in an aquarium specifically set up for the species. Keeping more than one Rainbow Mantis Shrimp together is not recommended. Their powerful, rapidly moving appendages are capable of smashing the shells of crabs and other hard-shelled prey. Because of this, they should generally not be housed with fish or other invertebrates. Even when larger tank mates are considered, extreme caution is necessary.

The aquarium should provide a sandy substrate, pieces of rubble and at least one suitable piece of live rock. These materials allow the shrimp to construct or occupy a secure hiding place.

For feeding, a varied meaty diet is suitable. This can include feeder fish, crabs and frozen foods such as fish, scallops and shrimp.