Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Found singly or in pairs, living in existing burrows, over shallow to deep rocky bottoms, of reef flats and coral reefs.
Males brighter than females, juveniles yellow.

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.

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