HOW TO REMOVE A MANTIS SHRIMP FROM A SALTWATER AQUARIUM

Understanding Mantis Shrimp Behavior

Before attempting to remove a mantis shrimp, it is important to understand their behavior and natural instincts. Mantis shrimps are divided into two main categories: “spearers” and “smashers.”

• Spearers: Use their spiny appendages to stab prey. They typically hide in burrows and ambush smaller fish or invertebrates.
• Smashers: Use club-like appendages to break shells of mollusks and crustaceans. Their strike is extremely powerful and can damage aquarium glass or coral.

Both types are highly territorial and can become aggressive if threatened. They often hide in rocks, sand, or crevices, making removal challenging. Knowing whether you have a spearer or smasher helps you plan your removal strategy and choose appropriate tools.

Additionally, mantis shrimps are generally solitary and can coexist with other reef inhabitants only under specific circumstances. They are known to prey on small fish, shrimp, and crabs, which is why removal may sometimes be necessary to protect other tank residents. For guidance on tank compatibility, see our article on sea urchins and invertebrates in saltwater aquariums.

Preparation for Safe Removal

Removing a mantis shrimp safely requires proper preparation. Rushing into the process can lead to injury or stress to the shrimp and other tank inhabitants. Follow these steps:

• Gather Your Equipment: You will need a sturdy container with a lid, a small net or aquarium trap, thick gloves, a flashlight, and a siphon hose. Consider using PVC pipes or tubes as temporary hiding spots to coax the shrimp out.
• Plan the Timing: Perform the removal during the evening or when the shrimp is less active. Mantis shrimps are more aggressive during the day and may retreat to burrows when approached at night.
• Clear the Area: Remove other delicate fish, corals, and invertebrates to reduce stress and prevent accidental injury. For guidance on reef-safe tank setups, see our guide to saltwater aquarium lighting and heating.
• Minimize Escape Routes: Block gaps in rocks or aquarium structures where the shrimp might retreat.
• Safety First: Always wear protective gloves and avoid using bare hands. Smashers can break glass or deliver painful strikes, and even spearers can inflict injuries with their appendages.

Preparation is critical to ensuring a smooth removal process. Having all tools ready and knowing the shrimp’s likely hiding spots reduces the risk of injury and increases the chances of capturing it successfully.

Step-by-Step Removal Techniques

There are several methods for removing a mantis shrimp, each with its advantages and considerations. The most common techniques include trapping, coaxing, and netting.

1. Using a Trap

Trapping is the safest and least stressful method for the shrimp and other tank inhabitants. Here’s how:

• Place a PVC tube, small plastic container, or a commercial aquarium trap in the tank near the shrimp’s burrow.
• Use bait such as pieces of shrimp, fish, or mollusks inside the trap to entice the mantis shrimp to enter.
• Once the shrimp enters the trap, quickly but gently cover the opening to prevent escape.
• Remove the trap from the tank and transfer the shrimp to a secure container or another aquarium.

Trapping works well for both spearer and smasher mantis shrimps and minimizes risk of injury. Patience is key—some shrimps may take time to investigate the bait.

2. Coaxing with PVC or Tubes

If the shrimp is hiding deep within rocks or sand, coaxing it into a tube or PVC pipe is effective:

• Place a tube or pipe near the shrimp’s burrow.
• Gently tap or use a flashlight to encourage movement without causing harm.
• Once inside the tube, slowly slide a cup or lid to contain the shrimp.
• Lift the tube carefully, ensuring the shrimp remains contained, and transfer it to a container.

This method is especially useful for smashers, as it reduces the chance of strikes and prevents damage to tank structures or corals.

3. Netting with Caution

Netting is the least recommended method but can work if the shrimp is visible and in an open area:

• Use a small, sturdy net with fine mesh.
• Approach the shrimp slowly to avoid startling it.
• Gently corner the shrimp and lift it with the net into a secure container.
• Be aware that rapid movements can provoke strikes, especially from smashers.

Always combine netting with gloves and protective measures to minimize risk. For additional guidance on handling marine invertebrates safely, see our article on protein skimming and water quality, which also discusses invertebrate health considerations.

Minimizing Stress During Removal

Stress can be fatal for mantis shrimps, fish, and other invertebrates. Take these steps to minimize stress:

• Maintain water temperature and salinity in the transfer container similar to the main tank.
• Reduce handling and exposure to air; mantis shrimps can survive brief periods out of water but prolonged exposure causes stress.
• Cover the container to reduce light exposure and keep the shrimp calm.
• Use minimal movement and avoid sudden changes in water chemistry during transfer.

Stress reduction is critical, especially for sensitive species such as cleaner shrimp, gobies, or corals that may be affected by the removal process.

Post-Removal Care and Housing

After removal, proper care ensures the health and safety of the mantis shrimp and tank stability:

• Place the shrimp in a separate, well-cycled tank or container with adequate hiding spaces.
• Maintain appropriate temperature, salinity, and pH levels for the species.
• Feed small pieces of shrimp, fish, or mollusks to maintain nutrition and energy.
• Monitor the shrimp for signs of stress or injury and make adjustments as needed.
• If relocating the shrimp permanently, ensure the new tank is secure and compatible with the species’ territorial behavior.

Proper post-removal care prevents injuries and ensures the shrimp remains healthy and active.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Many hobbyists underestimate the strength and speed of mantis shrimps, leading to mistakes during removal:

• Attempting to remove the shrimp bare-handed.
• Using inadequate containers or nets that allow escape.
• Failing to remove delicate fish or corals from the tank.
• Rushing the process, causing the shrimp to retreat into difficult-to-reach burrows.
• Ignoring proper water parameters during transfer, leading to stress or death.

Learning from these mistakes helps ensure a safe and successful removal.

Compatibility and Care Considerations

Mantis shrimps are aggressive and territorial, which can affect compatibility in a saltwater aquarium. Keep these factors in mind:

• Do not house mantis shrimps with small, slow-moving fish or invertebrates they may prey on.
• Ensure plenty of hiding spaces if keeping the shrimp in a community tank to reduce stress.
• Consider long-term housing solutions if planning to keep the shrimp, such as a species-only tank or dedicated marine setup.
• Monitor for signs of aggression, especially during feeding or cleaning activities.
• Keep corals away from burrowing areas to prevent damage from digging or strikes.

For more information on marine tank compatibility and safe cohabitation, see our saltwater aquarium setup guide.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Consider a 75-gallon marine reef tank containing clownfish, gobies, and a mantis shrimp. The shrimp had become increasingly aggressive, hunting cleaner shrimp and occasionally damaging coral structures. By using a PVC pipe trap and baiting with small pieces of fish, the shrimp was safely captured without stress to the other inhabitants. It was then relocated to a dedicated 30-gallon marine tank with ample hiding places. This case highlights the importance of preparation, patience, and appropriate equipment.

In another example, a beginner reef hobbyist attempted netting without preparation, resulting in a scratched hand and an escaped shrimp that retreated deep into the sand bed. The lesson: always use protective gear and consider alternative removal methods such as trapping or coaxing into tubes.

Final Takeaways: Ensuring Safe Removal of Mantis Shrimps

Removing a mantis shrimp from a saltwater aquarium requires careful planning, proper tools, and an understanding of the shrimp’s behavior. By using traps, PVC pipes, or careful netting, hobbyists can safely remove these powerful invertebrates while minimizing stress and risk of injury. Preparation, patience, and protective equipment are critical, as is post-removal care to maintain the shrimp’s health. Avoid common mistakes such as rushing, handling bare-handed, or disturbing other tank inhabitants during removal.

By following the techniques and considerations outlined in this guide, you can successfully manage mantis shrimp in your aquarium, protect other fish and invertebrates, and maintain a thriving, balanced marine environment. For more practical guidance on reef tank maintenance, fish care, and compatibility, explore our guide to freshwater and marine species and how to set up a hospital tank for safe fish management.