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Overview of Mantis Shrimp
The amazing marine crustaceans known as mantis shrimp are distinguished by their strong, raptorial arms, which they employ to strike and kill their food with extraordinary force and speed. The average length of a mantis shrimp is approximately 10 cm, while certain species can grow as long as 38 cm. With a carapace that only covers the back of the head and the first four segments of the thorax, they have an unusual body structure. With over 520 known species, mantis shrimp exhibit a wide range of colors, from muted to vibrant.
Hunting Strategies
Based on how they hunt, mantis shrimp can be categorized into two primary groups: "smashers" and "spearers." Smashers use their strongly mineralized, club-like appendage to bash and fracture the shells of their prey, which includes mollusks, crabs, and snails. On the other hand, spearers pierce and slice through softer-bodied creatures like fish with their spiky, barbed appendages.
Sensory Capabilities
Mantis shrimp are thought to have the most sophisticated vision system in the animal kingdom. With 12 to 16 different types of photoreceptor cells in their eyes—which are positioned on movable stalks—they are able to perceive a larger range of the electromagnetic spectrum than humans. Some species are even able to sense polarized light, an ability that has never been found in any other mammal.
Behavior and Ecology
Because their burrows and coral cavities serve as places of refuge, food storage, mating, and egg-laying, mantis shrimp are fiercely protective of these areas and participate in ritualistic combat to protect them. Numerous species display intricate social activities; some even establish enduring monogamous relationships and provide bi-parental care for their progeny.
Culinary and Commercial Significance
Mantis shrimp are considered a delicacy in many Asian and Pacific Island cuisines, such as Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Japanese. Certain vibrant species, like the peacock mantis shrimp, are highly prized by hobbyists in the aquarium trade. For some hobbyists, though, their aggressiveness and propensity to break aquarium equipment can make them unwanted pests.
Evolutionary History
Mantis shrimp have its evolutionary roots in the Carboniferous period; the earliest known unambiguous stem-group mantis shrimp date to approximately 340 million years ago. The group Unipeltata, which includes the contemporary mantis shrimp, originated in the Triassic era.
References:
Mantis Shrimp. (n.d.-b). Lamar.edu. https://www.lamar.edu/arts-sciences/biology/study-abroad-belize/marine-critters/marine-critters-2/mantis-shrimp.html
Mantis shrimp. (2024, June 2). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantis_shrimp
Mantis shrimp, facts and information. (n.d.-b). Animals. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/mantis-shrimp