Description

Also known as Dark-banded Mantis Shrimp, Giant Mantis, Scaly-tailed Mantis Shrimp, Scaly-tailed Squilla, Spearer Mantis Shrimp, Spring-tailed Mantis Shrimp, Zebra Mantis.

Found in burrows, over exposed, sandy areas of lagoons, seagrass beds, and tidal flats.
They feed on other crustaceans and fish.
Length - 30cm
Depth - 0-20m
Widespread Western Central Atlantic

These mantis shrimps are rarely seen out of their holes.

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.
Mantis Shrimps have been known to attack and wound divers who approach to close. Ref: x