Peacock Mantis Shrimp
Odontodactylus scyllarus
Quick answer
The peacock mantis shrimp is a brilliantly colored crustacean of tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, famous for one of the fastest and most powerful strikes in the animal kingdom. Its club-like front limbs accelerate so quickly that they can crack shells and even break aquarium glass. It also has some of the most complex eyes known, with far more color receptors than humans, and it typically lives 3 to 6 years.
Peacock Mantis Shrimp facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Odontodactylus scyllarus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (crabs, snails, mollusks, fish) |
| Habitat | Burrows on tropical Indo-Pacific reefs |
| Lifespan | 3–6 years |
| Length | Up to about 18 cm (7 in) |
| Top speed | Strike reaches over 80 km/h (50 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Malacostraca |
| Order | Stomatopoda |
| Family | Odontodactylidae |
| Genus | Odontodactylus |
Where it lives
Burrows on coral reefs of the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Guam and northern Australia.
The fastest strike in nature
The peacock mantis shrimp is a smasher that uses club-shaped front limbs to deliver one of the fastest movements known in the animal kingdom. Its strike accelerates faster than a bullet leaving a gun and is so powerful it briefly creates collapsing bubbles, or cavitation, that produce a second shockwave. This lets it shatter the shells of snails, crabs, and clams, and captive specimens have been known to crack aquarium glass.
Extraordinary eyes
Mantis shrimp have some of the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom, mounted on stalks and able to move independently. Where humans have three types of color receptor, the peacock mantis shrimp has around a dozen, and it can also detect polarized light. Each eye can perceive depth on its own, giving the animal remarkable visual abilities for hunting on busy reefs.
Diet and hunting
Peacock mantis shrimp are carnivores that prey on hard-shelled animals such as crabs, snails, and clams, as well as fish. Smashers like this species use their powerful clubs to break open armored prey, while spearing types of mantis shrimp instead impale soft-bodied animals. They are ambush hunters that strike with astonishing speed once prey comes within reach.
Life in a burrow
These animals live in burrows and crevices on tropical reefs, defending their homes aggressively against intruders. They are mostly solitary, though pairs may share a burrow during breeding. Bright body colors play a role in signaling to rivals and mates, and their keen eyesight helps them communicate and avoid dangerous confrontations.
Frequently asked questions about the Peacock Mantis Shrimp
How powerful is a mantis shrimp's punch?
The peacock mantis shrimp's strike is among the fastest movements in nature, accelerating faster than a bullet. It hits hard enough to smash shells and even crack aquarium glass.
Why do mantis shrimp have such amazing eyes?
Mantis shrimp have around a dozen types of color receptor, far more than humans, and can detect polarized light. Their stalked eyes move independently and help them hunt and signal on colorful reefs.
What do mantis shrimp eat?
Peacock mantis shrimp are carnivores that eat crabs, snails, clams, and fish. As smashers, they use their club-like limbs to break open hard-shelled prey.
Is a mantis shrimp a shrimp?
Not really. Mantis shrimp are crustaceans called stomatopods, a group separate from true shrimp. They get their name from their shrimp-like shape and praying-mantis-style front limbs.
How long do mantis shrimp live?
Peacock mantis shrimp typically live about 3 to 6 years. They spend much of that time defending a burrow on the reef.
Can a mantis shrimp hurt a person?
A large mantis shrimp can deliver a painful cut or bruise with its powerful strike, earning the nickname thumb splitter among divers and aquarists. They are not deadly but should be handled with care.
