The peacock mantis shrimp is a brightly coloured crustacean of Indo-Pacific reefs. It is famous for having one of the fastest and most powerful strikes in the animal kingdom and some of the most complex eyes known.
Interesting facts
- A single strike can smash snail shells and, in captivity, crack aquarium glass.
- Each punch creates a collapsing bubble that hits the prey a second time.
- Mantis shrimp have 12–16 types of colour receptors, compared with three in humans.
- They can see ultraviolet and polarised light.
- The structure of their club has inspired scientists designing tough new materials.
- Despite the name, mantis shrimps are neither mantises nor true shrimps.
Behaviour
Peacock mantis shrimps live in burrows and hunt by ambushing prey or roaming nearby. They are aggressive and territorial and use their clubs both for hunting and for fighting rivals.
Breeding and young
Females lay eggs in their burrows and guard them, holding them in their front legs until they hatch into larvae.
Threats and conservation
Not considered threatened, although coral reef decline and collection for the aquarium trade may affect local populations.
Where to see it
- Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
- Anilao, Philippines
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Public aquariums with reef displays
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
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