Mantis Shrimps

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Stomatopoda: /stoʊˈmætəˌpoʊdə/

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Summary

Mantis shrimp are complex, carnivorous marine crustaceans known for their advanced visual systems and aggressive hunting techniques. They exhibit unique adaptations such as powerful raptorial appendages for prey capture and the ability to perceive polarized light, making them a subject of scientific fascination.

Physical Characteristics

Mantis shrimp typically grow to around 10 cm (3.9 in) in length, while a few can reach up to 38 cm (15 in). Their carapace covers only the rear part of the head and the first four segments of the thorax. Varieties range in colour from shades of brown to vivid colours, with more than 520 species known.

Identification Tips

Mantis shrimp can be identified by their elongated bodies and raptorial appendages that are adapted for powerful attacks on prey. They exhibit two main types based on their claws: smashers, which have heavily mineralised club-like appendages, and spearers, which possess sharp, spiny structures for stabbing.

Habitat

Mantis shrimp live in burrows in the sea bed, where they spend most of their time. Their habitats vary; spearing species build their burrows in soft sediments while smashing species use hard substrates or coral cavities.

Distribution

Mantis shrimp are found worldwide, predominantly in tropical and subtropical marine habitats of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly between eastern Africa and Hawaii.

Diet

Mantis shrimp are carnivorous, with smashers typically preying on crabs, snails, and other mollusks, while spearers prefer softer-bodied prey such as fish.

Life Cycle

Mantis shrimps can have as many as 20 or 30 breeding episodes in their lifetime. Depending on the species, females may either carry their eggs or keep them in a burrow until they hatch.

Reproduction

Mating may involve monogamous, long-term relationships in some species, with both sexes taking care of the eggs (bi-parental care). Mantis shrimps can recognize individual partners by visual cues and smell.

Ecosystem Role

Mantis shrimp are significant predators in their ecosystems, playing an important role in controlling populations of other marine organisms.

Economic Impact

Mantis shrimp are consumed in various cultures and are valued in the seafood market, particularly in regions across Asia and Mediterranean countries.

Cultural Significance

In Japanese cuisine, the mantis shrimp species Oratosquilla oratoria is a sushi topping; in Vietnamese cuisine, it is called bề bề. It has various names in different cultures and is associated with culinary dishes across Asia and the Mediterranean.

Evolution

Stomatopods branched off from other members of the class Malacostraca around 340 million years ago. Their evolutionary history includes the Palaeostomatopodea and Archaeostomatopodea groups, with the oldest members of the clade Unipeltata dating to the Triassic.

Misconceptions

Mantis shrimp are sometimes referred to as 'sea locusts' and 'prawn killers'; they have a reputation for inflicting painful wounds if mishandled due to their powerful claws.

Tags

• Mantis Shrimp
• Stomatopoda
• Marine Biology
• Crustaceans
• Ecology
• Vision