Animal Profiles
Crustaceans

Mantis shrimp

Stomatopoda

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Mantis shrimps are predatory crustaceans. This account describes the peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus), a colourful Indo-Pacific species with powerful striking limbs.

Odontodactylus scyllarus, the representative described in this account.

Odontodactylus scyllarus, the representative described in this account.

Cédric Péneau · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Peacock mantis shrimps occupy tropical Indo-Pacific seabeds, often near coral reefs.
Habitat
Coral reef
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Crabs, snails and other hard-shelled animals provide food.

Classification

Common name
Mantis shrimp
Browse group
Crustaceans
Scientific name or taxon
Stomatopoda
Taxon rank
order
Order
Stomatopoda
Source classification
Malacostraca

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its front limbs smash shells.
  • It shelters in burrows.
  • Its compound eyes move independently.

Habitat and range

Peacock mantis shrimps occupy tropical Indo-Pacific seabeds, often near coral reefs. Sand and rubble around reef bases provide places to construct protective burrows.

Appearance and adaptations

Bright colours cover the body, with independently moving compound eyes above the head. Club-shaped front appendages form the powerful striking apparatus of this smashing species.

Diet and behaviour

Crabs, snails and other hard-shelled animals provide food. Rapid blows break open prey, while a burrow provides shelter between hunting trips. This species differs from mantis shrimps that spear soft-bodied prey.

Sources

Explore crustaceans

Browse all crustaceans