Lysiosquillina maculata

Datasheet

General Description

The Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata) belongs to the Stomatopoda family and is characterized by its striking appearance and fascinating hunting techniques. These creatures are known for their unique ability to hunt prey using either smashing or spearing methods, depending on their anatomical adaptations.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for special aquarium setups, the Zebra Mantis Shrimp requires specific care due to its aggressive nature towards similar species. It is crucial to provide ample hiding spaces, such as live rocks, to cater to their need for shelter and security within the tank.

Demands

With an average hardiness level, this species thrives best in dimmed lighting conditions. They have a predatory nature and pose a threat to smaller fish, shrimps, crabs, and other crustaceans that are of suitable size for consumption.

Care and Hardiness

Maintaining the Zebra Mantis Shrimp in captivity requires a dedicated effort to enrich their diet with omega-3 and vitamins to prevent malnourishment. Feeding them a varied diet of raw seafood, larger crustaceans, and fish every couple of days is essential for their well-being.

Reef Suitability

While considered reef-safe with caution, it is important to monitor their interactions within a reef setting closely. Due to their predatory instincts, caution is advised when keeping them in a reef tank to prevent any harm to other tank inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up the aquarium for Zebra Mantis Shrimp involves providing a deep substrate to accommodate their size and creating a suitable environment with sufficient hiding spots, such as caves between rocks, to mimic their natural habitat. Dimmed lighting and a spacious tank of at least 300 liters are recommended for their well-being.

Behaviour

These creatures exhibit aggressive behaviors, especially towards similar species, and should be housed alone or with compatible tank mates that can withstand their predatory tendencies.

Feeding and Diet

Zebra Mantis Shrimp have non-demanding dietary preferences and can be fed various raw seafood, larger crustaceans, and fish to meet their nutritional needs. Enriching their diet with essential nutrients like omega-3 and vitamins is vital for their overall health.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in regions such as the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, The Red Sea, Indonesia, East Pacific, and Central/West Pacific, the Zebra Mantis Shrimp typically inhabits areas with suitable hiding spaces like caves between rocks or digging into the sand, reflecting their need for shelter in the wild.