A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Odontodactylus scyllarus
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.
Found close to reefs in sand and rubble areas with several burrows to hide in. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.
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.
Spotted on Jan 14, 2012
Submitted on Jan 25, 2012
46 Comments (1–25)
Thanks, Corey! They're a fascinating creature, but dangerous too.
hes a cutie! I love the video footage
Thanks, Mayra :)
Fantastic capture and video!!
You're very welcome, patty. I'm glad that you found this interesting. :)
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 =)
OMG ! awesome creature .
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.
super spotting!
Thanks guys!
Wonderful spotting!
Precioso colores excelente
Added a video to this spotting, but it's of another mantis shrimp.
what a fascinating creature!
Andre & Lisa - Thanks!
Sarah - We all have our weaknesses, I guess... :)
Wow, cool image!
I agree with you, Blogie, but must admit to having a small freshwater aquarium in my home.
what a beauty
Thanks, Aldrin!
congratulations! :)
@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. ;)
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"!! :)
Outstanding!
Fantastic!!! - I've only ever seen pale colourless ones...
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!