Mantis shrimp

Morphology

The body is brown and cream with black dots and bright cobalt blue spots on the dorsal surface. Antennae have wide stripes of yellow and red. The species has spiny lumps on its tail and the surface on the posterior segments is corrugated.

Behaviour

Smashing mantis shrimps use their powerful clubbed claws, the “elbow” is thickened and used to crack the shells of other animals. Stomatopods have the most elaborate visual system, their behaviour and communication is strongly based on visual cues.

Habitat

Marine

Onshore reefs from tide pools and amongst boulders, up to 37 m depth.

Distribution

Northern Territory to Western Australia