Description
Pseudosquilla ciliata is one of the mantis shrimps that we occasionally collect here in the Keys. This is a Pseudosquilla ciliata,. and it is considered a “spearer” shrimp. This species of shrimp can vary in appearance quite a bit, from the more common lime green to a bright red to green with a white stripe.
Mantis shrimp are very aggressive and are usually reserved for a species only tank. I would not recommend mixing them with any other fish, shrimp, crab, or thin-shelled snail. I would also not recommend handling them, they are called thumb splitters for a good reason. For more information on mantis shrimp, go to Dr. Roy Caldwell’s excellent site dedicated exclusively to mantis shrimp.
Small: <1.5 inches
Normal: >1.5 to 2.5 inches
Large: >2.5 inches