How to Identify Mantis Shrimp

To identify Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable, ranging from drab browns and greens to vibrant reds, blues, and greens, often with intricate patterns and iridescent qualities. Coloration can be cryptic or aposematic.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Large, stalked eyes with complex vision (up to 16 photoreceptors), Powerful raptorial appendages (dactyls) adapted for either 'smashing' or 'spearing', Segmented body with a carapace covering only the head and first three thoracic segments, Gills located on the pleopods (abdominal appendages)

Dorsal fin

Not applicable (crustacean, not a fish)

Tail fin

Telson (tail fan) is broad and flattened, used for propulsion and defense.

Pectoral fin

Not applicable (crustacean, not a fish)

Distinctive fins

Raptorial appendages (second pair of thoracic appendages) are highly specialized for predation. These can be 'smashers' (club-like, for crushing hard-shelled prey) or 'spearers' (barbed, for impaling soft-bodied prey).

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Raptorial Appendages

   Observe the second pair of thoracic appendages. 'Smashers' have a swollen, club-like dactyl, while 'spearers' have a slender, barbed dactyl. This is the primary way to distinguish between the two main functional groups.

2. 2

   Eye Structure

   Mantis shrimp have highly distinctive, large, stalked eyes that move independently. The complexity of their eyes is unique among crustaceans.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Carapace

   Their elongated, somewhat flattened body and the relatively small carapace covering only the anterior part of the cephalothorax are characteristic.

4. 4

   Coloration and Patterns

   While variable, specific color patterns and markings can help identify species within the order, especially for more common or well-studied species.

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