The peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) is a fascinating marine crustacean known for its vibrant colors and incredible hunting abilities. Here are some key facts about this remarkable creature:

🌈 Appearance

• Brightly colored with a mix of green, blue, red, and orange hues

• Large, bulbous eyes that can move independently

• Can grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) in length

👀 Super Vision

• Has some of the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom

• Can see polarized light and UV light

• Possesses 16 types of photoreceptor cells (compared to humans' three), allowing for exceptional color detection

🥊 Powerful Punch

• Uses "smasher" claws (raptorial appendages) to deliver one of the fastest strikes in nature

• Punches at speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) with the force of a bullet

• The punch creates cavitation bubbles that produce a second shockwave, stunning or killing prey even if the initial strike misses

🍽️ Diet & Hunting

• Feeds on hard-shelled prey like crabs, snails, and mollusks

• Uses its powerful claws to smash shells open with ease

🏠 Habitat & Behavior

• Found in coral reefs and rocky seabeds in the Indo-Pacific region

• Solitary and highly territorial

• Can recognize individual shrimp and remember past encounters

The peacock mantis shrimp is both beautiful and deadly, making it one of the most unique creatures in the ocean! 🌊

Specimens are 2.5"