Where to find mantis shrimp on display

Yes, several public aquariums in the United States and abroad keep mantis shrimp on display. The most reliable place to see them is the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, which maintains a dedicated exhibit featuring multiple species. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California also house mantis shrimp regularly, though their displays rotate seasonally.

Mantis shrimp are not as common in aquariums as fish or coral because they require specialized care and tank conditions. They are solitary, aggressive hunters that cannot be housed with most other animals, and they need sturdy tanks—their powerful claws can crack standard glass. This makes them expensive to maintain and display, which limits how many facilities keep them.

If you are planning a visit to see mantis shrimp, call ahead or check the aquarium's website first. Exhibits change, and some facilities only display them during certain months. Many smaller regional aquariums do not keep them at all, so a direct call to the education or animal care department will save you a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium in California has the most consistent mantis shrimp display in the United States.
  • Georgia Aquarium and Aquarium of the Pacific also keep mantis shrimp, but their exhibits may change seasonally.
  • Mantis shrimp require specialized tanks and solitary housing, which makes them rare in most public aquariums.
  • Contact the aquarium directly before visiting to confirm the mantis shrimp exhibit is currently on display.

Why mantis shrimp are difficult to display

Mantis shrimp are among the most aggressive and powerful predators in the ocean, and that behavior does not change in captivity. A single mantis shrimp will attack and kill any fish, crustacean, or invertebrate placed in its tank. They must be housed alone, which means an aquarium needs multiple separate tanks just to display a few individuals.

Their claws deliver strikes at speeds comparable to a .22 caliber bullet. Over time, these repeated strikes can crack acrylic and even damage reinforced glass. Aquariums that display them use specialized thick-walled tanks, often made of polycarbonate or extra-thick acrylic, which are expensive to build and maintain. The animal care staff also needs training in handling and feeding them safely.

Feeding is another challenge. Mantis shrimp eat live crustaceans—crabs, shrimp, and snails—in the wild. Aquariums must source a steady supply of feeder animals, which adds to the cost. Some facilities have successfully trained their mantis shrimp to eat frozen food, but this takes time and does not work for every individual.

What to expect when viewing mantis shrimp

When you see a mantis shrimp in an aquarium, you are watching an animal that looks almost alien. They have large, bulging eyes that move independently, a segmented body that folds like a praying mantis, and powerful raptorial claws held tucked under their body. Their colors range from dull brown to brilliant reds, oranges, and blues, depending on the species.

Most of the time, a mantis shrimp will hide in a burrow or crevice in its tank. They are nocturnal hunters and spend daylight hours concealed. If you visit during the day, you may only see a glimpse of the animal or its eyes peering out from a hiding spot. Early morning or evening visits sometimes offer better viewing, as the animal may be more active when light is low.

When a mantis shrimp does emerge, watch for its hunting behavior. If the aquarium staff feeds it during your visit, you will see the strike—an incredibly fast movement that happens in a fraction of a second. The claw unfolds and shoots forward with such speed that the impact creates a shock wave in the water. This is the moment most visitors come to see, and it is worth the wait.

Mantis shrimp species you might encounter

The most common species in public aquariums is the peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus), named for its brilliant blue, green, orange, and red coloring. This species is native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs and grows to about four inches long. Its colors are so vivid that early photographs were sometimes thought to be artificially colored.

The giant mantis shrimp (Lysiosquilla maculata) is larger, reaching up to 14 inches, and is colored in shades of brown and tan. It is less colorful than the peacock species but equally impressive in size and power. Some aquariums display this species because its size makes the hunting behavior even more dramatic.

Occasionally you may see the banded mantis shrimp (Pseudosquilla ciliata), which has distinctive dark bands across its body. This species is smaller and somewhat less aggressive than the others, making it slightly easier to maintain, though it still requires a solitary tank and specialized care.

How mantis shrimp vision differs from human vision

Mantis shrimp have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom. While humans have three types of color receptors, mantis shrimp have between 12 and 16, depending on the species. This means they see colors and light wavelengths that are completely invisible to us, including ultraviolet and polarized light.

Their eyes move independently, like a chameleon's, and each eye can focus on different objects at the same time. This gives them exceptional depth perception and the ability to track fast-moving prey. In an aquarium, a mantis shrimp can see you watching it from across the tank, and it will often watch you back with equal interest.

Scientists still do not fully understand how mantis shrimp process all this visual information or what they use their extra color vision for in the wild. Watching one in an aquarium gives you a glimpse into a sensory world that is fundamentally different from our own.

Aquariums outside the United States

If you travel internationally, several aquariums outside the United States keep mantis shrimp. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan has a well-known mantis shrimp exhibit and is considered one of the best places in the world to see them. The Sydney Aquarium in Australia and the Sea Life London Aquarium

European aquariums in Germany, the Netherlands, and France occasionally feature mantis shrimp, though availability varies. If you are traveling and want to see one, research the specific facility ahead of time, as exhibits change and some aquariums only display them temporarily for special exhibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a mantis shrimp in a home aquarium?

Technically yes, but it requires significant informed and investment. You need a tank at least 20 gallons, preferably larger, with thick walls to withstand their strikes. The tank must have hiding places, a strong filtration system, and a reliable source of live food. Most beginners should not attempt this without prior experience keeping difficult marine animals.

How long do mantis shrimp live in captivity?

Most mantis shrimp live three to five years in captivity, though some species may live longer. Their lifespan depends on the species, water conditions, diet, and stress levels. In the wild, their lifespan is not well documented, but they likely live similar lengths of time.

Are mantis shrimp dangerous to humans?

Yes. A mantis shrimp strike can break skin and cause serious injury. Aquarium staff handle them with thick gloves and extreme caution. Visitors should never attempt to touch a mantis shrimp or put hands into its tank, even if the animal appears calm or hidden.

Why are mantis shrimp so colorful if they hunt at night?

Scientists believe their colors serve multiple purposes: communication with other mantis shrimp, camouflage in colorful coral reef environments, and possibly signaling to prey. Their eyes are so sensitive that they can see in very low light, so color vision is useful even in dim conditions. The exact reasons for their specific color patterns are still being studied.

Do mantis shrimp recognize individual people?

Mantis shrimp have shown signs of recognizing individual aquarium staff members who feed them regularly. They may approach the glass when that person approaches the tank. However, it is unclear whether this is true recognition or straightforward learned association between a person and feeding time.