Peacock color change

[Crooked Reef]

Do peacock mantis shrimp change colors during moly's like some other species? If so what would be some ways to attempt to get it to go to the brighter colors?

 

[Crooked Reef]

These are the current colors. It appears a few spots of shell rot on the back of the head? Also which side do I need to get a shot of to tell if it is a male or female? Thanks.

 

[Calappidae]

I do not recall them changing colors, afaik peacocks keep their coloration, and the depths they lived at relate to their coloration. Some species color swap when they molt based on environments, such as P. Ciliata and N. Wennerae to name a few, but Odontodacylus I don't believe does.

If you can get a bigger resolution of a similar angle the second photo has, that would help us identify.

Basically, where the little paddles are under their body, right infront of the first ones , and behind the last pair of legs, there will be 2 sticks pointing in a V shape if its male (you can guess what they are), the females will lack those.

example of a male from roy:

 

[nmotz]

Female Peacocks are usually the less vibrant olive color compared to the bright green males. But they get shell rot less frequently too so that is a huge plus. Based solely on color examination I'd say you have a female there.

 

[Gonodactylus]

The best way to sex O. scyllarus is to look at the ventral thorax. Males have a pair of gonopods that are attached at the base of the last pair of walking legs. They are usually dark in color and about 1/3 the length of the leg. Females have a pair of gonopores between the first pair of walking legs. They resemble a figure eight. O. scyllarus do change color somewhat. Juveniles usually have a light yellowish brown body color while mature females are more olive and males green. Females from very deep habitats are occasionally red. In captivity animals often take on a more muted tone. A diet rich in fatty acids and carotenoids can help prevent this.

Roy

 

[Crooked Reef]

Thanks Dr. Roy! I did just verify it is a female while feeding her. Quick question, best way to prevent/treat shell rot is still high quality food, low light and pristine water quality. Is UV sterilization still recommended?

 

[Gonodactylus]

I only use UV in large tanks containing multiple O. scyllarus. I think it helps prevent the spread of shell rot.

Roy

 

[Crooked Reef]

Thanks again Dr. Caldwell.

 

[Mr. Manty]

Dr. Caldwell, what is the best way to get carotenoids into the diet of a peacock?