Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Small but mighty is how many describe this species, and that’s exactly what they are. They have many unique characteristics about them, earlier described as their unique ability to punch other organisms. You will be excited to hear that’s not the only unique aspect about this species. In addition to their vibrant rainbow colors, they also have a unique set of eyes. Their eyes protrude from their head and are able to detect twelve different color channels including the ultraviolet spectrum. We, as humans, are only able to see three. Since their eyes protrude they work independently from one another and are able to see 360 degrees around. 

The male species is more brightly colored than the females, showing off more vibrant colors, having coloration be a sexually dimorphic trait. This species is typically alone, not mating with a specific partner throughout their lifespan. 

We all know that one small dog with a big attitude. Who looks cuddly but hates cuddles, who seems so loving but is in reality genuinely aggressive. That was my family’s Shih Tzu Jonjon. He was sweet until threatened, and would snap quickly leaving people with stitches in their face. Similar in tendency to these small, beautiful, but snappy creatures are the Peacock Mantis Shrimp. Scientifically named Odontodactylus scyllarus, and commonly referred to as painted, clown, and rainbow mantis shrimp (Bioweb, 2014). This resemblance to my childhood dog is a main reason why I chose this specific species. 

These bottom feeder organisms inhabit shallow warmer water seeking refuge hidden in rocky nooks or sandy self dug tunnels. They are mainly found in tropical western Pacific Indian oceans (Oceana, 2022). Prior to choosing the Peacock Mantis Shrimp I remember years prior learning about their ability to punch other organisms with force strong enough to break shells and if not kill, stun their prey on impact. After doing further research on this species I learned that their punches actually hold a velocity matching that of a .22 caliber bullet, being strong enough to break glass (Wuest, 2019). This in itself is surreal that an averagely 7 inch long crustacean can pack that much force using its two front appendages, being described as “club-like” to many (National Aquarium, 2023). This is also a main reason they are not generally kept in captivity and not to be found in aquariums. Not only are they carnivores in nature, meaning they would eat their fellow aquarium mates, but their punch is strong enough to potentially break the enclosure glass.

(Silke, Baron 2015) 

Shown above is a picture where you can see the Peacock Mantis shrimp’s front appendages used for punching and killing prey. They fold underneath the body and remain hidden until use (Wuest, 2019). To give more indication of just how much these small clubs can do, it’s interesting to note that they can reach speeds of 23 meters per second and an acceleration of 10,400 g. This movement is so sudden that it creates cavitation bubbles that produce heat and light reaching a temperature of thousands of kelvins in a second (Bioweb, 2014). In conclusion, if you ever happen to come across a Peacock Mantis shrimp and you’re lucky enough to admire it in all its glory, look but don’t touch. 

 

References

Peacock mantis shrimp. UWL Website. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2014/hruska_mark/classification.htm 

What happens when a mantis shrimp packs a punch? Sport Diver. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.sportdiver.com/what-happens-when-mantis-shrimp-packs-punch 

Peacock mantis shrimp. Oceana. (2022, July 14). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://oceana.org/marine-life/peacock-mantis-shrimp/ 

Peacock mantis shrimp. National Aquarium. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://aqua.org/explore/animals/peacock-mantis-shrimp