Sometimes, reefs are so densely covered with corals, sponges, gorgonians and creatures, that we forget to look at the rubble area. The Mantis Shrimp or Stomatopod is not just another shrimp. He uses the rubble area to make his home and roams the reef, searching for materials to build his elaborate burrows. With a fierce reputation and ‘the fastest claw’ which can cause some serious harm, he easily scares off bigger creatures that get in his path! With eyes mounted on independent sockets on top of his head and the ability to see 12 different colour channels, 4 of those alone in the ultra violet range (we humans can only see 3!), this little creature has the best vision in the entire animal kingdom! With fascinating behavior to match, watching him make his burrow, dart around seeking food, or brood eggs is worthy of any world-class dive.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:03:00 +0000