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Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Odontodactylus scyllarus

Photo by Blogie
Published on Project Noah
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6.89995, 125.77

Field Notes

Description:

Also known as Smashing Mantis Shrimp, Odontodactylid Reef Mantis Shrimp, Green Mantis Shrimp, Clown Mantis Shrimp, Mantis Clown, Rainbow Mantis Shrimp, Harlequin Mantis Shrimp and Painted Mantis Shrimp.

Males brighter than females, juveniles yellow. They feed on fish and invertebrates.

Habitat:

Found close to reefs in sand and rubble areas with several burrows to hide in. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

This mantis shrimp was cornered, and that's why it reared up to appear menacing to us. Or maybe it was just curious about us...

Reference Links:

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp - Identify tropical fish - Whats That Fish!

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (11)
Blogie
Thanks, matimar1. Where I live, the mantis shrimp isn't really rare. :)
AnnalisaD
Love the color!....I saw on a show these guys pack a mean pinch and they are one of the worlds fastest animals when catching prey.
Blogie
Thanks, Carolina. Indeed, they're certainly very attractive. I have a full-body shot of a pair of such shrimp...but I'm loathe to share it here because I took that photo of the shrimp caught in a fishing net. :(

Spotted for Missions

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The Color Red
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Global Coral Reef Monitoring
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Davao Gulf Marine Life

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Photographed
PublishedDecember 2, 2011

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