Mantis shrimpStomatopoda

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 molluscs 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.