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Mantis Shrimp: 10 Fascinating Facts You Need to Know

Mantis shrimp, those petite and vibrantly hued crustaceans, inhabit shallow tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Beyond their unpretentious dimensions lies a domain of astounding capabilities and fascinating behaviours that have mesmerised scientists and marine life enthusiasts.

Present in oceans spanning the entire globe, these shrimp serve as a testament to evolutionary marvels, showcasing a spectrum of attributes that challenge conventional perceptions of underwater existence.

Their unmatched vision, which perceives a spectrum of colours imperceptible to the human eye, and their lightning-swift strikes defying conventions of speed and force, firmly establish these creatures as a tribute to the astonishing breadth of marine biodiversity. 

Delving into the intricacies of mantis shrimp reveals a deeper grasp of marine knowledge, motivating us to present a compilation of ten fascinating facts about these creatures.

1. Mantis shrimp are not true shrimp

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Despite their name, mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) are not true shrimp. They belong to a distinct and ancient branch of crustaceans. Mantis shrimp are known for their powerful claws and vibrant colours, and they inhabit various marine environments.

Unlike true shrimp, they possess unique appendages used for hunting and defence. Their remarkable visual system and formidable strikes make them intriguing subjects of marine biology research. While they share some superficial similarities with true shrimp, their anatomical and behavioural differences set them apart as a distinct group within the crustacean family.

2. They possess a razor-sharp vision

Mantis shrimp possess extraordinary visual abilities. Their eyes are among the most complex in the animal kingdom, enabling them to perceive a wide spectrum of colours.

Their vision is divided into several parts including trinocular vision for depth perception and compound eyes for detecting motion. This sharp vision helps them navigate their complex habitats and locate prey with remarkable accuracy.

Mantis shrimp’s advanced visual system has inspired technological advancements in imaging and polarization detection, contributing to fields such as underwater exploration and material science.

3. Mantis shrimp possess a unique ability to perceive polarized light 

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Mantis shrimp possess an exceptional ability to perceive polarized light. Their eyes contain specialized cells that can detect the orientation of polarized light waves, which is invisible to human vision.

This ability aids them in various aspects of their lives, from communication and hunting to navigation. Mantis shrimp use polarized light cues to differentiate between objects, identify potential predators or prey, and even communicate with one another using polarized patterns.

This unique skill has fascinated scientists and engineers alike, inspiring applications in polarization-sensitive imaging technologies and helping us better understand how different species interact with their environment.

4. They evolved long before the dinosaurs

Mantis shrimp, part of the Stomatopoda order, are ancient marine creatures that evolved much earlier than dinosaurs, around 450 million years ago during the Late Ordovician period. Their lineage has survived multiple mass extinctions and predates the appearance of many modern marine animals.

Mantis shrimp have evolved unique adaptations, including their advanced visual systems and powerful appendages, over this vast timespan. Their long evolutionary history underscores their resilience and successful adaptation to various marine ecosystems, making them living relics of the ancient past.

5. Mantis shrimp deliver the strongest punch of any creature in the animal kingdom

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Mantis shrimp have one of the most powerful strikes in the animal kingdom. Their specialized appendages, called raptorial appendages, can accelerate at incredible speeds, delivering an astonishingly swift and forceful punch. This strike is used to break open hard-shelled prey and defend against predators.

This unique ability stems from a spring-like mechanism in their limbs. The mantis shrimp’s powerful punch exemplifies remarkable adaptations in nature, demonstrating the diversity of evolutionary strategies for survival and predation.

Talking about punchers, also read more about the top 10 deadliest animals in the world here. 

6. Their bodies inspire the creation of body armour

The structure of mantis shrimp exoskeletons has inspired the development of innovative body armour designs. Mantis shrimp exoskeletons are made up of specialized layers that provide both strength and flexibility, protecting them from their powerful strikes and external threats.

Researchers have sought to mimic this design in creating lightweight and durable materials for human body armour. By emulating the mantis shrimp’s biomechanical features, engineers aim to enhance the effectiveness of protective gear for military, law enforcement, and other applications. This would offer improved defence while minimizing bulk and weight.

7. Selected Mantis Shrimp practice social monogamy

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Some mantis shrimp species practice social monogamy, forming long-term pair bonds. This is in contrast to many mantis shrimp, which are solitary creatures.

In social monogamy, a male and a female mantis shrimp share a burrow and engage in cooperative behaviours such as defending their territory and raising their offspring. This behaviour is particularly observed in species like the peacock mantis shrimp.

Social monogamy enhances the chances of successful reproduction and contributes to the survival of offspring. This is because the males and females work together to protect their young and provide them with food. Social monogamy is a unique mating strategy that is found in only a few species of mantis shrimp.

8. Mantis shrimp species exceed 450 across the globe

Mantis shrimp species are diverse and widespread, found in various marine environments worldwide. There are around 450 recognized species of mantis shrimp, spanning different regions and habitats, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea environments.

Their wide distribution showcases their adaptability to various ecological niches. Mantis shrimp exhibit a remarkable range of behaviours, appearances, and adaptations, reflecting the immense diversity within this group.

While at it, also discover some cool facts about seahorses here.

9. They can’t be contained in an aquarium glass

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Mantis shrimps are challenging to keep in aquariums due to their exceptional strength and behaviour. Their powerful strikes can break glass walls and damage enclosures. Some species dig complex burrows that are difficult to replicate in captivity.

Their aggressive territoriality can lead to conflicts if multiple individuals are kept together. Additionally, their dietary needs, water quality requirements, and the potential for harm to tankmates make proper care complex. Therefore, keeping mantis shrimps demands specialized setups, careful monitoring, and expertise.

Their unique characteristics and potential impact on tank stability make them a demanding choice for aquarium enthusiasts.

10. Mantis shrimp eyes can move independently

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Mantis shrimp eyes can move independently. Each eye is mounted on a stalk, which allows it to rotate in all directions. This gives mantis shrimp a wide field of view and allows them to track prey or predators from multiple angles.

In addition to being able to rotate independently, mantis shrimp eyes can also focus independently. This allows them to focus on two different objects at the same time, which is essential for their hunting strategy.

The ability of mantis shrimp eyes to move independently is one of the things that makes them such successful predators. It allows them to quickly and accurately assess their surroundings and to track prey with pinpoint accuracy.

For seafood lovers in Atlanta, find out what is the best place to get your food here.