Odontodactylus scyllarus

Datasheet

General Description
The Peacock mantis shrimp, scientifically known as Odontodactylus scyllarus, belongs to the Stomatopoda category and is a fascinating marine creature with striking colors. It is a member of the Odontodactylus family and can grow up to 18.0cm in size. This species is commonly referred to as a "smasher" due to its ability to crush even the toughest shells of various invertebrates and occasionally prey on fish.

Aquarium Suitability (or if suitable?)
The Peacock mantis shrimp is deemed suitable for special aquariums due to its predatory nature and potential aggression towards similar species. This species thrives best in an aquarium with dimmed lighting and requires good hiding places, such as between live rocks, to feel secure. It is essential to note that the Peacock mantis shrimp can be a threat to crustaceans, small bivalves, snails, and similar creatures in the aquarium environment.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness
Considered to have an average hardiness level, the Peacock mantis shrimp demands a diet enriched with omega-3 and vitamins to prevent malnourishment in captivity. Their feeding habits include consuming larger crustaceans, fish, and other invertebrates. It is crucial to provide varied and enriched food options for this species and feed them every couple of days. Furthermore, after molting their shell, Peacock mantis shrimps may hide and refrain from eating for about a week.

Reef Suitability
This species is classified as reef-safe with caution, and individuals should exercise vigilance when introducing the Peacock mantis shrimp into a reef aquarium due to its predatory nature.

Aquarium Setup
The aquarium setup for the Peacock mantis shrimp should include dimmed lighting, ample hiding places, and a substrate deep enough to accommodate the shrimp's size. Ensuring that the caves are not placed near the tank's sides can prevent the shrimp from damaging the aquarium glass by striking it.

Behaviour
Peacock mantis shrimps exhibit aggressive behavior towards similar species and can pose a threat to larger fish. They prefer living in caves between rocks but may also burrow into the sand, displaying intriguing hunting strategies based on their "smasher" classification.

Feeding and Diet
The recommended diet for Peacock mantis shrimps includes fish, larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, and other invertebrates. They require a varied diet enriched with omega-3 and vitamins and may exhibit selectivity in feeding only when hungry.

Habitat and Distribution
These marine creatures are commonly found in the East and West Indian Oceans, Australia, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific regions. Their natural habitat includes rocky caves and sandy substrates where they can hunt for prey efficiently.