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Updated 6/17/2025

Suborder Stomatopoda, Mantis Shrimps

Mantis shrimp have modified arms called raptorial appendages ending in stout clubs or serrated swords.  These are folded alongside the body and sprung forward with lightning-speed to crush or impale prey.  This speed is one of the fastest in the animal kingdom.  Smashers are capable of cracking aquarium glass and spearers can cause serious lacerations.  They inhabit burrows or reef crevices.

 

INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII

Pseudosquilla ciliata

CILIATED MANTIS SHRIMP

 

 Odontodactylus brevirostris

SHORTNOSE MANTIS SHRIMP

 
Lysiosquilla sulcirostris

ORANGE & WHITE MANTIS SHRIMP

 

 Oratosquilla fabricii

SPEARING MANTIS SHRIMP

 
Gonodactylaceus falcatus

PHILIPPINE MANTIS SHRIMP

 

 Gonodactylaceus falcatus

PHILIPPINE MANTIS SHRIMP
Lysiosquillina maculata

GIANT MANTIS SHRIMP

 

 Echinosquilla guerinii

URCHIN-TAIL MANTIS SHRIMP

TROPICAL EASTERN PACIFIC

Hemisquilla californiensis

CALIFORNIA MANTIS SHRIMP