---
title: Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda)
scientific_name: Stomatopoda
common_name: Mantis shrimp
rank: Order
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:04:38.645Z
tags: Mantis shrimp, Stomatopoda, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp
---

# Mantis shrimp (*Stomatopoda*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Order
- **Scientific name:** Stomatopoda
- **Body shape:** Invertebrate - Not a fish - coral, mollusc, crustacean, echinoderm and other invertebrate groups.
- **Species listed here:** 7

## How to recognise this group

- elongated, somewhat flattened body
- large, independently moving stalked eyes
- prominent, powerful raptorial forelimbs held folded
- secretive, often peering from burrows or crevices

Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) are marine crustaceans with an elongated, flattened body and a shield-like carapace covering the head and thorax. Their common name refers to the prominent, folded raptorial appendages resembling those of a praying mantis. Most species measure between 3 and 18 cm (1.2-7.1 in) in length and exhibit complex colour patterns, ranging from greens, pinks, and blues to browns and greys. All possess highly developed stalked eyes, with some species featuring trinocular vision in each eye, which aids precise prey tracking.

They inhabit self-constructed burrows or existing crevices in rubble, sand, and rock substrates, from shallow reef flats down to approximately 70 m (230 ft). Mantis shrimp are ambush predators, using a pair of powerful raptorial appendages to capture prey. These appendages are either 'smashers', for bludgeoning hard-shelled prey like mollusks and crabs, or 'spearers', for impaling soft-bodied fish and other shrimp. Strikes can reach speeds of up to 23 metres per second (75 ft/s). Many species are territorial and solitary; males of some species guard and aerate eggs until hatching. Despite their prevalence, they are rarely observed by divers due to their secretive nature.


## Species (7)

- [Caldwell's Mantis Shrimp (Gonodactylellus caldwelli)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp/caldwells-mantis-shrimp)
- [Rainbow Mantis Shrimp (Pseudosquilla ciliata)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp/rainbow-mantis-shrimp)
- [Sickle Mantis Shrimp (Gonodactylaceus falcatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp/sickle-mantis-shrimp)
- [Smashing Mantis Shrimp (Gonodactylus chiragra)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp/smashing-mantis-shrimp)
- [Smooth Mantis Shrimp (Gonodactylaceus glabrous)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp/smooth-mantis-shrimp)
- [Urchin Mantis Shrimp (Echinosquilla guerinii)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp/urchin-mantis-shrimp)
- [Zebra Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquilla maculata)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp/zebra-mantis-shrimp)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/mantis-shrimp)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*