Mantis shrimp have remarkably complex visual systems and predatory behaviour. As evidence grows about invertebrate cognition and pain capacity, their welfare in fisheries and captivity deserves consideration.
Mantis shrimp represent a frontier case in animal welfare: species whose cognitive sophistication challenges the assumption that crustaceans lack morally relevant experience. Their ability to remember individuals, adjust strategies based on opponent assessment, and maintain territorial home ranges suggests a richer inner life than their invertebrate classification might imply. The growing scientific literature on crustacean nociception and pain-like states applies to mantis shrimp as to other crustaceans. Fishery capture and killing methods do not currently account for potential welfare significance. Aquarium keeping in inappropriate conditions — including small tanks where these highly territorial animals cannot establish proper territories — likely causes chronic stress. As welfare science extends to invertebrates, mantis shrimp are a species that may require increasing moral consideration.