The Peacock Mantis Shrimp has extremely powerful claws earning them the nickname of thumb-splitter, so use caution when handling this Shrimp. Their claws help them to break the shells of their prey, therefor they should not be kept with smaller Shrimp, Crustaceans and even smaller fish, as they will become food for the Mantis Shrimp. They should be fed a carnivorous diet consisting of chopped meaty preparations such as Krill, Crustacean Flesh, Squid, Clams, and will also accept live feeder Shrimp. They are also very sensitive to copper medications, and quick changes in water perimeters.