Zebra Mantis Shrimp care guide

Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata) — minimum tank 300 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.

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.