Skip to main content

Peacock mantis shrimp

Odontodactylus scyllarus

Photo by Elsa
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-5.43333, 123.767

Field Notes

Description:

Where they are not over-exploited, mantis shrimp are common sights on indo-pacific reefs. They get their name from their resemblence to praying mantis with their two specialised claws and their tendency to elevate their torso. These claws are the reason they have been nicknamed 'thumb splitters' as they can inflict painful gashes if aggrevated.

The peacock mantis gets its name from the colourful paintings on its body.

Habitat:

Coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)

Thanks alot to both of you! Diving in Sulawesi is amazing for the diversity, highly recommended!
Wow! Really cool! I hope that I get the chance to dive at Sulawesi...
Elsa, you have such an amazing finds!
Photographed
PublishedMay 8, 2011

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon