Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp (lat. Squilla) belong to the order of marine crustaceans that can occasionally cause problems in hydroponic systems or coastal agricultural areas prone to flooding. Although most species are marine, their presence in artificial aquaculture systems or recirculating water greenhouses can lead to significant infrastructure and crop damage.

Systematically, these organisms belong to the class Malacostraca, order Stomatopoda, and family Squillidae. They are predatory arthropods equipped with complex eyes and powerful specialized appendages designed for striking prey, making them aggressive components in any aquatic environment they inhabit.

The biology of these creatures is characterized by a complex life cycle, including larval stages that develop in the water column. They lead a secretive lifestyle, preferring to build burrows in the sediment or hide in crevices, which makes their timely detection and identification challenging in industrial agricultural settings.

Damage to crops involves mechanical injury to root systems caused by burrowing and sediment displacement. Additionally, in hydroponic setups, they may compromise nutrient delivery pipes and plant roots, leading to plant wilting, decreased yields, and the potential spread of pathogens through tissue micro-traumas.

Recommended control measures include:

• Regular water filtration and removal of silt or debris from system components.
• Manual removal of individuals upon detection of burrowing activity.
• Ensuring rigorous quality control for substrates and restricting access from open water sources.
• Application of approved specialized management products in concentrations safe for the primary crop.