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Mantis Shrimp (or Stomatopods) are crustaceans in the class Malacostraca. Many species in the group are known for their ability to crush or spear prey using their large, frontal appendages. The clubs vary in different species, although the two main types are Spear and Club.
Spear: The spear is normally lined with sharp spines and is used to stab prey.
Club: The club is a rounded shell that is built with multi-directional fibers that lock within one another. The interior material of the claw can change its structure to prevent damage to the club.
Before use, the claw is folded inward. Once released, the claw springs forward rapidly at speeds of over 30 Mph (48 Kph,) creating a cavitation bubble and mass shock. Even if the prey is not hit directly, the shock can injure or even kill it. They have even been known to cause injury to humans when handled.
Their eyes are built to use Trinocular vision with over 16 Photoreceptors, allowing them to see more colors than any animal. The eyes can also move independently.
Behaviors are also variable in different species. Mantis shrimp may stay with mates for a lifetime, with the males of which caring for the females by supplying food, while some species hardly interact with one another at all. Some species communicate by rumbling their carapace while others use fluorescent signals.
They are especially popular in the aquarium trade. The most wanted species, the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, is very colorful and is the most bought. Although they are common exotic pets, they have a tendency to kill some or all of the other tank inhabitants, making them better solitary aquarium pets. They have also been known to cause damage to the tanks themselves.
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