Mantis Shrimp

Mantis Shrimp

Credit: Jenny/Wikimedia Commons

The colorful mantis shrimp Gonodactylus smithii. Researchers compare mantis shrimp to "heavily armored caterpillars."

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Credit: S. Baron

The peacock mantis shrimp Odontodactylus scyllarus from the Indo-Pacific boasts strong, hammer-like claws.

Peacock Mantis

Peacock Mantis

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Peacock mantis shrimp are solitary hunters, capable of swinging their claws with a force equal to a .22 caliber bullet.

Mantis Shrimp with Eggs

Mantis Shrimp with Eggs

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A mantis shrimp guards a raft of pink eggs.

Green Shrimp

Green Shrimp

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Peacock mantis shrimp are known for their complex visual system.

Territorial Crustacean

Territorial Crustacean

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Peacock mantis shrimp are highly territorial.

Armored Crustacean

Armored Crustacean

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A view of the colorful peacock mantis shrimp body.

Smashing Close-Up

Smashing Close-Up

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Peacock mantis shrimp are not shrimp, but their shrimp-like appearance (and tendency to attack like a praying mantis) gave them their name.