are mantis shrimp legal pets in california

Are Mantis Shrimp Legal Pets in California? Everything You Need to Know

Mantis shrimp are truly fascinating creatures that many aquarium hobbyists dream of owning. With their stunning, color-changing exoskeletons, incredibly powerful claws, and surprisingly intelligent behavior, it’s no wonder these animals have recently surged in popularity as unique pets

However, before you run out and grab a mantis shrimp for your home aquarium, it’s crucial that you understand the laws and regulations surrounding their ownership – especially if you live in the state of California.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the legality of keeping mantis shrimp as pets in California, including:

• Are mantis shrimp legal to own in California?
• What regulations and permit requirements exist?
• Where can you obtain a mantis shrimp legally in the state?
• What species are legal vs illegal to own as pets?
• What are important safety issues to consider with these feisty pets?
• What are suitable tank requirements and alternatives if you can’t own one?

We want to make sure you have all the right information before making the exciting decision to add one of these marine marvels to your home. Let’s dive right in!

Are Mantis Shrimp Legal Pets in California?

The quick answer is yes – with the proper licenses and permits, it is legal to own a mantis shrimp as a pet in California.

However, the regulations surrounding their ownership are quite complex, and there are a number of requirements you must meet first.

All marine life, including mantis shrimp, are protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) sport fishing regulations. Mantis shrimp may legally be captured in the ocean sport fishing waters of the state.

You must have a valid California fishing license to legally capture any mantis shrimp in state waters. There are also strict limits on the fishing methods allowed – mantis shrimp may only be collected by hand, with a dip net or throw net. Spearfishing or using hook and line methods are prohibited when harvesting invertebrates like mantis shrimp.

Additionally, regulations on daily bag and possession limits must be followed. As of 2022, the general invertebrate bag limit in California is 35 organisms per day, so you cannot exceed this number if collecting mantis shrimp yourself from the ocean.

This covers harvesting mantis shrimp directly from the wild. However, owning a captive-bred specimen has its own set of rules.

Permit Requirements for Captive Mantis Shrimp

To legally buy and keep a mantis shrimp caught elsewhere or bred in captivity, you need to obtain a Restricted Species Permit from the CDFW.

This permit is specifically required for animals classified as “detrimental species” – and many species of mantis shrimp fall into this category.

The application involves passing a written exam demonstrating your knowledge of safely caring for the animal, and an inspection of your aquarium setup by a CDFW agent. Restricted Species Permits must be renewed every two years.

Where to Legally Obtain Captive Mantis Shrimp in California

Now that you know it’s legal with the right permits, where can you actually find captive, tank-raised mantis shrimp to purchase in California?

Your options are:

• Specialty aquarium stores – Some fish stores that focus on exotic marine species may carry captive-bred mantis shrimp from time to time. However, this is rare, and they may not have any in stock when you visit.

• Online retailers – There are a handful of websites that ship mantis shrimp within the United States. Prices range from $30-$60 for juveniles up to a few hundred dollars for rare color morphs and adults. Be sure to only purchase captive-bred specimens with full legality documentation.

• Aquarium hobbyist breeders – Your best option is to network with mantis shrimp hobbyist groups and private breeders, many of whom frequently have juveniles available. This gives you the chance to select specific color varieties you may be looking for.

No matter where you obtain your mantis shrimp, prior to purchase be sure to confirm all needed permits and paperwork are in order. Ask for documentation proving the animal was captive-bred, not wild-harvested. Only work with reputable sellers following all California regulations.

Mantis Shrimp Species Legal and Illegal as Pets

With around 400 species of mantis shrimp existing worldwide, how do you know which kinds are allowed to keep as pets and which are banned in California?

Here is a quick overview:

Legal Species:

• Peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) – The most common species kept as pets. Bright green and blue varieties. Grows up to 12 inches long.

• Harlequin mantis shrimp (Hemisquilla californiensis) – Native to California waters. Less colorful but very hardy. Max size around 4 inches.

Illegal Species:

• Boxer mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda superba) – Aggressive large species poses safety risks. Max size over 18 inches. Banned in California.

• Japanese mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla oratoria) – Highly invasive and destructive to native ecosystems if released. Cannot be owned in California without permit.

As a general rule, more aggressive, dangerous, and non-native species are banned, while smaller, colorful species commonly bred as pets are legal with proper permitting. Do extensive research before obtaining any new mantis shrimp species in California.

Mantis Shrimp Ownership Safety Concerns

Why are some mantis shrimp species outright illegal as pets in California? And what safety risks do you need to be aware of even with legal varieties?

The truth is mantis shrimp require very experienced care and their powerful claws can pose dangers in home aquariums:

• Aggression and attacks – They will attack and potentially kill fish tankmates. Even serious harm to humans is possible if mishandled.

• Broken tanks – Their “punch” can easily crack glass and acrylic tanks. Very secure lids are a must.

• Escapes – If a mantis shrimp gets loose in your home, its claws can damage walls, carpets, furniture, and more. Recapturing them is difficult.

• Difficult care – Advanced water quality control, feeding live foods, and creating ideal habitat is challenging for beginners.

For these reasons, mantis shrimp require a dedicated tank without any other species present. Beginners should avoid them as pets, as their needs are complex. If deciding to own one, be sure to research proper handling techniques to stay safe.

Ideal Housing for Pet Mantis Shrimp

Realistically, what size tank and type of habitat do you need to humanely house a pet mantis shrimp?

Here are some general guidelines:

• Tank size – A minimum of 30 gallon tank is recommended for one small specimen, increasing to 55+ gallons for larger species.

• Substrate – Several inches of fine sand or very fine gravel substrate allows them to burrow. Some rock and driftwood for hiding is ideal.

• Filtration – Highly effective biological and mechanical filtration is a must to maintain pristine water quality.

• Lid – A weighted mesh or acrylic lid is needed to prevent escapes. Leave no gaps where claws can reach the rims.

• Tankmates – None recommended due to aggression, unless attempting a mated pair or community in a very large tank. Even then, casualties likely.

• Plants – Only artificial decor is recommended, as they will shred live plants quickly.

Realistically, be prepared to dedicate an entire tank just to safely house one mantis shrimp. This is not a small commitment in terms of space, equipment, and ongoing care requirements.

Alternative Pets If You Can’t Own a Mantis Shrimp

What interesting pet options exist in California if you decide a high-maintenance mantis shrimp is not right for you currently? Here are a few great alternatives:

• Clown fish – Bright and friendly nano-reef fish with basic care needs. Must keep with anemones.

• Corals – Stunningly colorful and surprisingly hardy options like zoanthids are perfect for beginners.

• Snails – Calm and peaceful cleanup crew like nerites add activity without added challenge.

• Shrimp – Dwarf shrimp like cherry reds display cool behaviors without aggression.

• Sea stars – Captive-bred stars like sand sifting astreas are safe and easy for novices.

• Hermit crabs – Terrestrial crabs are interactive with lower habitat demands than marine.

The Takeaway: Is a Mantis Shrimp Right for You?

Mantis shrimp undoubtedly make unique and fascinating pets – when cared for correctly. But high demands on housing, top-notch water quality, specialized feeding, and safety precautions clearly show these are not casual pets suited for everyone.

If your goal is to have a colorful, lively tank that is reasonably low maintenance, a nano reef community is a better choice. More advanced aquarists who desire a true challenge and have resources for large, species