Odontodactylus Scyllarus for Sale (Peacock Mantis Shrimp): Complete Care Guide

Odontodactylus Scyllarus for Sale (Peacock Mantis Shrimp): Complete Care Guide

If you have ever wanted a pet that looks like it came straight out of a science fiction movie, meet the Peacock Mantis Shrimp. This creature is one of the most visually stunning animals on the planet. It is bold, intelligent, and unlike anything else you will ever keep in a saltwater tank. But it comes with rules. This complete care guide covers everything you need to know before you buy one.

What Is the Peacock Mantis Shrimp?

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp, scientifically known as Odontodactylus scyllarus, is a stomatopod crustacean native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It is not actually a shrimp or a mantis insect. It is in a class all by itself. It can grow up to 7 inches long and comes in a jaw-dropping mix of red, green, blue, orange, and yellow. No two look exactly the same.

What really sets this creature apart is its punch. The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is a “smasher” type mantis shrimp. It uses two club-like appendages called dactyl clubs to strike prey with the speed of a bullet. Scientists have measured its strike at over 50 miles per hour. It can crack open hard-shelled clams, crabs, and snails in seconds.

What Makes Peacock Mantis Shrimp So Special?

Beyond the punch, this animal has some of the most advanced eyes in the animal kingdom. Human eyes process 3 types of color receptors. The Peacock Mantis Shrimp has 16. Scientists are still working to fully understand how its brain processes all of that color information. That alone makes it one of the most fascinating creatures you can own.

It is also highly intelligent. It learns routines, recognizes its owner, and will interact with you over time. Many owners say their mantis shrimp comes to the front of the tank when they approach. That kind of behavior from a crustacean is remarkable.

Tank Setup and Requirements

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp needs to live alone. It will destroy fish, coral, and other invertebrates. Think of its tank as a species-only showcase built around one incredible animal.

Tank size should be at least 30 gallons. Larger is always better. Use a thick acrylic or reinforced glass tank because this animal can and will crack standard glass with its punch.

Cover all openings tightly. Peacock Mantis Shrimp are escape artists. A small gap in the lid is all they need to disappear overnight.

Provide plenty of rockwork with caves and burrows. These animals are burrowers by nature. They feel safer with a space they can call home. Use rubble rock and PVC pipes to give them options.

Keep water temperature between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Salinity should stay at 1.023 to 1.025. They prefer stable, well-filtered water but are more forgiving than many reef fish.

Feeding Your Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Feeding time is the highlight of owning this animal. They are active hunters and love the thrill of the chase. Offer them live or frozen foods like clams, mussels, shrimp, crabs, and snails. Drop the food near their burrow and watch them spring into action.

Feed adults every two to three days. Overfeeding leads to water quality problems. Remove uneaten food promptly.

Long metal tongs are your best friend at feeding time. Never put your bare hand in the tank. A Peacock Mantis Shrimp can break a human finger. That is not an exaggeration.

Handling and Safety

Do not handle this animal with your bare hands. Use thick gloves and tools for any tank maintenance. Most experienced keepers use feeding tongs and view-only interaction through the glass.

Respect this animal and it will reward you with years of entertainment and fascinating behavior.

What Does a Peacock Mantis Shrimp Cost at Dr. Reef’s?

At Dr. Reef’s Quarantined Fish, the Peacock Mantis Shrimp is priced at $149.99. That price includes the full professional quarantine process that Dr. Reef’s is known for. You are not just buying a shrimp. You are buying a healthy, screened, ready-to-thrive animal backed by one of the most trusted names in the online reef hobby.

Visit the Peacock Mantis Shrimp listing at Dr.Reef’s Quarantined Fish to grab yours before it sells out. These move fast for good reason.

Why Buy From Dr. Reef’s Quarantined Fish?

Dr. Reef’s Quarantined Fish at Dr. Reef’s Quarantined Fish sets the standard for how online marine animals should be sold. Every single specimen goes through a rigorous health screening and quarantine process before it ever ships to your door. That means fewer surprises, less stress, and a much healthier start for your new animal.

For a species as unique and specific as the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, this matters more than almost anything else. Buying a stressed or sick specimen from an unknown seller can cost you far more in the long run. Dr. Reef’s takes that risk off the table.

Quick Q and A

Q: Can I keep a Peacock Mantis Shrimp in a reef tank? A: No. It will destroy corals and kill tankmates. It needs its own dedicated tank.

Q: How long do they live? A: With proper care, they can live 5 to 7 years in captivity.

Q: Will it really break my tank glass? A: Yes, standard glass is at risk. Use acrylic or extra-thick glass rated for aggressive species.

Q: How big of a tank do I need? A: A minimum of 30 gallons, though 40 to 55 gallons gives it much more room to thrive.

Q: Are they hard to care for? A: They are intermediate level. The tank prep is specific, but daily care is straightforward once set up correctly.

Q: How much does a Peacock Mantis Shrimp cost at Dr. Reef’s? A: Dr. Reef’s Quarantined Fish currently offers the Peacock Mantis Shrimp at $149.99 with full quarantine included.

Final Thoughts

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is not for everyone. It demands a dedicated tank and a hands-off approach. But for hobbyists who want something truly extraordinary, there is nothing else like it. Its colors, intelligence, and raw power make every single day in the hobby more exciting. At $149.99 from Dr. Reef’s Quarantined Fish, you are getting a professionally quarantined specimen from a seller who genuinely cares about your success.