Fact about the "praying mantis prawns": punches with the power of a 5.5 mm bullet

Alien-looking "praying mantis shrimp" are often seen rushing across the ocean floor or peeking out from their carefully constructed burrows. Seeing one is always a thrill. Their sizes and colors vary widely; while some species live in temperate waters, most inhabit the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. But don’t be fooled by the name — the mantis shrimp is also one of the ocean’s deadliest predators. Here are the top ten facts about mantis shrimp to help you spot them and keep your thumb and camera intact...

1. Mantis shrimp can break aquarium glass

Some mantis shrimp are known to break aquarium glass by striking it, which has earned them an alternative nickname, the "thumb sharer." The speed of their strike can generate forces up to 1,500 newtons, enough to shatter thick, tempered aquarium glass. Take this as a warning so you don’t get too close with an expensive dome camera. An additional fact about mantis shrimp: their punch has the power equivalent to a 5.5 mm shot!

2. There are more than 450 species of mantis shrimp

Scientists have long been puzzled by the mantis shrimp’s remarkable ability to strike with such force without injuring itself. The speed of the strike creates shock waves that travel through the body, yet the shrimp’s armor contains layers of flexible polysaccharide chitin that absorb much of the energy.

The effectiveness of this structure has prompted researchers to study its properties to design new and improved protective armor.

3. Mantis shrimp have extraordinary eyes

The eyes of the mantis shrimp sit on stalks. Beyond their striking appearance, these eyes give the shrimp an unequaled view. Each eye can move independently of the other, and they are thought to be among the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom.

While humans have three types of photoreceptors, mantis shrimp have 12 to 16 different types of photoreceptor cells. This allows them to detect ultraviolet light, visible light, and polarized light.

4. Some mantis shrimp wield deadly clubs

Biologists believe mantis shrimp (stomatopods) diverged from other crustaceans and began evolving independently about 400 million years ago — long before dinosaurs appeared. This separate evolutionary path produced a truly unique animal, giving rise to nicknames such as "prawns from Mars."

5. Mantis shrimp can learn

Mantis shrimp are among the few animals that have shown the ability to learn. In one experiment, mantis shrimp were placed in dark tanks containing black vials used as shelters. In repeated trials, the shrimp found the vial shelter faster each time it was placed in the same position, suggesting they remembered where the vial was hidden.

6. Many species live in Indonesia and the Philippines

While mantis shrimp occur throughout the world’s tropical waters, Indonesia and the Philippines are especially rich in species such as the peacock mantis shrimp and the zebra mantis shrimp. They are commonly found in shallow water; peacock mantis shrimp are often seen emerging into open water between coral formations. Their bright red and green colors set them apart from the dull reef background, making them one of the easiest mantis shrimp to find. If you’re lucky, you might spot a peacock mantis shrimp clinging to its bright red egg mass — a prime opportunity for great photos.

When you wander over sandy areas, you may spot a zebra mantis shrimp burrow, usually a few inches wide and easy to see. However, a burrowing mantis shrimp that’s sitting at the top of its burrow can be hard to notice when it’s hungry, since its color blends with the surrounding sand.

7. Mantis shrimp have some of the most beautiful eyes

While mantis shrimp occur throughout the world’s tropical waters, Indonesia and the Philippines are especially rich in species such as the peacock mantis shrimp and the zebra mantis shrimp. They are commonly found in shallow water; peacock mantis shrimp are often seen emerging into open water between coral formations. Their bright red and green colors set them apart from the dull reef background, making them one of the easiest mantis shrimp to find. If you’re lucky, you might spot a peacock mantis shrimp clinging to its bright red egg mass — a prime opportunity for great photos.

When you wander over sandy areas, you may spot a zebra mantis shrimp burrow, usually a few inches wide and easy to see. However, a burrowing mantis shrimp that’s sitting at the top of its burrow can be hard to notice when it’s hungry, since its color blends with the surrounding sand.

8. Mantis shrimp are older than dinosaurs

While mantis shrimp occur throughout the world’s tropical waters, Indonesia and the Philippines are especially rich in species such as the peacock mantis shrimp and the zebra mantis shrimp. They are commonly found in shallow water; peacock mantis shrimp are often seen emerging into open water between coral formations. Their bright red and green colors set them apart from the dull reef background, making them one of the easiest mantis shrimp to find. If you’re lucky, you might spot a peacock mantis shrimp clinging to its bright red egg mass — a prime opportunity for great photos.

When you wander over sandy areas, you may spot a zebra mantis shrimp burrow, usually a few inches wide and easy to see. However, a burrowing mantis shrimp that’s sitting at the top of its burrow can be hard to notice when it’s hungry, since its color blends with the surrounding sand.

9. Mantis shrimp show notable intelligence

While mantis shrimp occur throughout the world’s tropical waters, Indonesia and the Philippines are especially rich in species such as the peacock mantis shrimp and the zebra mantis shrimp. They are commonly found in shallow water; peacock mantis shrimp are often seen emerging into open water between coral formations. Their bright red and green colors set them apart from the dull reef background, making them one of the easiest mantis shrimp to find. If you’re lucky, you might spot a peacock mantis shrimp clinging to its bright red egg mass — a prime opportunity for great photos.

When you wander over sandy areas, you may spot a zebra mantis shrimp burrow, usually a few inches wide and easy to see. However, a burrowing mantis shrimp that’s sitting at the top of its burrow can be hard to notice when it’s hungry, since its color blends with the surrounding sand.

10. Where to find mantis shrimp

While mantis shrimp occur throughout the world’s tropical waters, Indonesia and the Philippines are especially rich in species such as the peacock mantis shrimp and the zebra mantis shrimp. They are commonly found in shallow water; peacock mantis shrimp are often seen emerging into open water between coral formations. Their bright red and green colors set them apart from the dull reef background, making them one of the easiest mantis shrimp to find. If you’re lucky, you might spot a peacock mantis shrimp clinging to its bright red egg mass — a prime opportunity for great photos.

When you wander over sandy areas, you may spot a zebra mantis shrimp burrow, usually a few inches wide and easy to see. However, a burrowing mantis shrimp that’s sitting at the top of its burrow can be hard to notice when it’s hungry, since its color blends with the surrounding sand.