Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)

Also known as Clown Mantis Shrimp, Harlequin Mantis, Harlequin Mantis Shrimp, Green Mantis Shrimp, Mantis Clown, Mantis Clown Shrimp, Odontodactylid Reef Mantis Shrimp, Painted Mantis, Painted Mantis Shrimp, Rainbow Mantis Shrimp, Reef Odontodactylid Mantis Shrimp, Shrimp-from-Mars, Smasher Shrimp, Smashing Mantis Shrimp

Description

Also known as Clown Mantis Shrimp, Harlequin Mantis, Harlequin Mantis Shrimp, Green Mantis Shrimp, Mantis Clown, Mantis Clown Shrimp, Odontodactylid Reef Mantis Shrimp, Painted Mantis, Painted Mantis Shrimp, Rainbow Mantis Shrimp, Reef Odontodactylid Mantis Shrimp, Shrimp-from-Mars, Smasher Shrimp, Smashing Mantis Shrimp.

Found singly or in pairs, living in existing burrows, over shallow to deep rocky bottoms, of reef flats and coral reefs.
They feed on crabs, fish, and worms.
Males brighter than females, juveniles yellow.
Length - 18cm
Depth - 0-100m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

Mantis Shrimps have excellent eye sight with large eyes mounted on stalks these can swivel to give almost 360' vision.
Spearing mantis shrimps are usually found in their holes with just their heads showing, waiting for their prey.
Smashing mantis shrimps are found during the day scurrying around the reef hunting their prey, but disappearing into their holes when approached.
They can often be seen with their heads raised like a 'praying mantis', they also raise their tail as a warning.
Their large claws are used for smashing or spearing their prey, they have the fastest punch of any animal in the world.
Mantis Shrimps have been known to attack and wound divers who approach to close.

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odontodactylus_scyllarus

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