Types
Features
Habitats
Discover the fascinating types of mantis shrimps, from smashers to spearers, and explore their unique traits in our detailed guide.
Learn about the amazing features of mantis shrimps, from their lightning-fast claws to their extraordinary eyesight.
Explore the diverse habitats of mantis shrimps – tropical reefs to sandy seabeds. Discover how these environments shape their behaviour.
What is the Mantis Shrimp?
Mantis shrimps are some of the ocean’s most amazing little creatures. They aren’t actually shrimps at all, but colourful crustaceans that live in warm seas around the world. Scientists call them “mantis shrimps” because their front legs look a bit like those of a praying mantis.
What makes them truly special is their super strength and super sight. Mantis shrimps have powerful front claws that can punch or spear their prey faster than the blink of an eye. Some species can even break through glass aquarium walls! Their eyes are just as incredible. While humans see three main colours (red, green, blue), mantis shrimps can detect many more — even types of light invisible to us.
Mantis shrimps live in burrows in sand, mud, or coral reefs, where they hide and wait for food to swim past. They may be small, but they are fierce hunters and play an important role in the underwater food chain.
So next time you imagine superheroes, remember that the ocean already has one — the mighty mantis shrimp!
About Us - Meet Our Team
Hi, I’m Scientist Bob. I love everything to do with Science, but most of all, I am a big fan of aquatic life. So, when I learnt about the Mantis Shrimp, I just had to share my knowledge with others. Another big fan is Tessa Brixton and she will be helping me to teach you all about the Mantis Shrimp. Living in Australia we are quite familiar with these great creatures. And there are so many of them. Both Tessa, myself and the rest of the team are Scientists who specialise in all things Science. We are all fascinated by the mantis shrimp and its various forms and beautiful colours. We are also ‘knocked out’ by this little creatures ability to punch (knocked out – punch – get it???). Despite our bad jokes we invite you to come along on our journey of discovery with the Mantis Shrimp. So you know, the bad jokes come from Evan! And the fun activities are put together by Luke and Louise.
