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Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Odontodactylus scyllarus

Photo by Blogie
Published on Project Noah
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6.9506, 125.67

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.

Despite its name, mantis shrimp do not belong to the shrimp family.

While this crustacean may appear shy, it is in fact quite dangerous when provoked. Its front appendages are extremely fast and tough, and are used for breaking mollusk and crab shells. Divers have reported cracked polycarbonate camera housings caused by mantis shrimp defensive attacks.

Habitat:

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

Notes:

Mantis shrimp are commonly seen peeking out of their holes in sandy or rubble areas. I spotted this one near the shore at a depth of less than 10m.

Reference Links:

Odontodactylus scyllarus - Overview

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (46)
Blogie
Thanks, Corey! They're a fascinating creature, but dangerous too.
BlissFam
hes a cutie! I love the video footage
Blogie
You're very welcome, patty. I'm glad that you found this interesting. :)
patty
Beautiful pictures and video; they really complement each other =). And the video allowed us to have a quick glance of the beautiful, colorful, lively biodiversity in those coral reefs. Thank you =)
Blogie
On today's dive, I goofed around a bit with one of these critters. It was in its hole and I was tickling it with my aluminum pointer. Suddenly I heard and felt the mantis shrimp attack my pointer -- there was a very clear and sharp ring and a vibration from the metal! I then remembered that it's one critter that's been known to break the glass of a camera housing! I now have a renewed respect for this magnificent crustacean.
Atul
super spotting!
Blogie
Added a video to this spotting, but it's of another mantis shrimp.
Blogie
Andre & Lisa - Thanks! Sarah - We all have our weaknesses, I guess... :)
SarahWhitt
I agree with you, Blogie, but must admit to having a small freshwater aquarium in my home.
Blogie
@craigwilliams - Thanks very much!! More to come! ;) @Leuba - The pale ones are just as feisty, I've heard... @Harsha Singh - Thank you! @SarahHiteWhitt - Thanks for your greeting! But you know, I really wish people would stop taking wildlife away from their natural habitat. These creatures are indeed beautiful and a delight to see, but it's so much better to experience them in the sea. ;)
SarahWhitt
Do they sell these lil guys in pet stores? If so, makes me wonder how you would transport him home - I suppose in a styrofoam box... Beautiful spotting & congrats on "Spotting of the Day"!! :)
Leuba Ridgway
Fantastic!!! - I've only ever seen pale colourless ones...
craigwilliams
A tough nut dressed up as rainbow - who in their right mind would call them names?! Congratulations Blogie, well deserved; the truth is you've shown us so many spellbinding wonders from those waters, there's got to be many more SOTD to come!
Blogie
@ARt - Yeah, I have a friend who has experienced just how nasty a mantis shrimp strike can be. Good thing he didn't lose his finger!
ARtPeNnography
The mantis shrimp forelimb strike is one of the fastest movements known in the animal kingdom – they can even crack the glass in aquariums! Get too close with an underwater camera and you may end up with a broken lens port. They are also known as thumb splitters, so keep a respectful distance; these underwater tough guys will defend themselves if they feel threatened. http://www.destinationjeddah.com/portal/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1156:the-bruce-lee-of-the-red-sea&catid=115:latest-articles&Itemid=501
Blogie
Wow!! My 3rd Spotting of the Day!! Thank you, Peter & Project Noah, and thanks to everyone for your kind words. :) @ARtPeNnography - Seriously?? :D
KarenL
Congratulations Blogie!
peter
Wow Blogie, this is an incredible specimen. Congrats on Spotting of the Day! "Don't be fooled by the good looks of our colorful friend the Peacock Mantis Shrimp. They've been known to smash their prey and have the fastest recorded 'punch' of any living animal!" Facebook: http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151211441825603 Twitter: http://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/163485427548958721
Blogie
Yup! I never get tired seeing this critter underwater. :)
Blogie
Thanks, Art & Sachin!
Blogie
A diver friend of mine has experienced getting nicked by one of these.
Ismael Chaves
Are you serious Blogie? I cant believe how this tiny one can slice human skin, amazing!
Maria dB
What a colorful fellow! (or lady)
Blogie
And being scared is actually justified. These shrimp can actually slice your skin with their front legs if you get too close.
Terri
Gorgeous!! Such brilliant colors...and a little scary all at the same time =]

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Davao Gulf Marine Life
Mission
2012 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
Crustacea Filipiniana

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJanuary 25, 2012

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