Zebra Mantis Shrimp care guide
Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata) — minimum tank 300 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata) is a mantis shrimp (stomatopod) of the family Lysiosquillidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an expert-level species. Large 'spearer' mantis (not smasher) with raptorial appendages tipped in barbs. Burrows deep in sand. Up to 40 cm! Demands species-only tank with deep sand bed.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lysiosquillidae
- Genus: Lysiosquillina
- Scientific name: Lysiosquillina maculata
- Common synonyms: Spear Mantis, Tiger Mantis
Habitat
Mantis shrimp are stomatopod crustaceans, not true shrimp, found in burrows and reef crevices of tropical and subtropical seas. They possess specialised raptorial appendages: "spearers" impale soft prey, while "smashers" deliver one of the fastest strikes in the animal kingdom, capable of cracking shells and aquarium glass. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Indo-Pacific.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 25-40 cm
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- KH: 8-12 °dKH
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Lifespan: 5-15 years
Diet
The species is a carnivore. Spearing forms ambush soft prey such as fish and worms, while smashing forms crush snails, crabs and bivalves; in aquaria they take meaty frozen foods, shrimp and shelled molluscs.
Compatibility
The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as a predator. Suitable tank mates include Solo only. It should be kept away from All fish, All inverts. It is a destructive predator that hunts fish and other invertebrates and is kept only in a dedicated species tank, never in a community reef.
Breeding
The female carries fertilised eggs (becoming "berried") beneath the abdomen until they hatch into planktonic larvae that drift before settling. Rearing the larvae through their pelagic stages is rated very difficult and is rarely achieved in home aquaria.
Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata): Breeding Notes
Overview
Lysiosquillina maculata is the largest mantis shrimp in the world, reaching up to 40 cm. It ranges across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Galápagos and Hawaiian Islands and lives in sandy burrows from which it ambushes prey. It is a spearing type that hunts soft-bodied, evasive prey such as small fish and malacostracans.
Sexing
Males have larger raptorial appendages, although males and females reach similar overall body sizes. The species forms male–female pairs that share a burrow.
Spawning & Eggs/Larvae
L. maculata displays social monogamy with maternal egg care: the female tends the eggs while the pair shares the costly, long-lived burrow. In stomatopods the hatched larvae enter the plankton, where they may remain for up to three months before settling. Stomatopods can breed many times over a long life.
Common Challenges
The huge adult size, deep paired burrow and lengthy planktonic larval stage place captive reproduction well beyond hobbyist scope. Specimens in the trade originate from wild collection.