Freshwater Mantis Shrimp

Gonodactylus species are stomatopod crustaceans (mantis shrimp) that inhabit freshwater and brackish environments in tropical Asia, representing a rare group of stomatopods adapted to inland waters. They are characterized by the same fearsome raptorial claws found in their marine relatives — club-shaped smashers capable of striking with extraordinary force — paired with remarkable compound eyes that can perceive ultraviolet and polarized light.

In the aquarium, freshwater mantis shrimp are best maintained as solitary display animals in dedicated tanks. They are highly intelligent by invertebrate standards, quickly learning feeding routines and investigating their keepers. Their raptorial claws can crack snail shells and split crayfish exoskeletons, so all tankmates must be avoided. Glass tanks should be thick as their strikes can crack thin glass.

While challenging and requiring species-only housing, these animals provide a uniquely fascinating window into one of nature's most extraordinary predators. Feeding is straightforward with frozen shrimp, snails, and small pieces of fish.