A Mantis Shrimp peers

Mantis Shrimp

Mantis Shrimp are neither shrimp nor mantids, but receive their name purely from the physical resemblance to both the terrestrial praying mantis and the shrimp. They may reach 30 centimetres in length, although exceptional cases of up to 38 cm have been recorded. The carapace of Mantis Shrimp covers only the rear part of the head and the first three segments of the thorax. Mantis Shrimp appear in a variety of colours, from shades of browns to bright neon colours. Although they are common animals and among the most important predators in many shallow, tropical and sub-tropical marine habitats they are poorly understood as many species spend most of their life tucked away in burrows and holes.

Called "sea locusts" by ancient Assyrians, "prawn killers" in Australia and now sometimes referred to as "thumb splitters" because of the animal's ability to inflict painful gashes if handled incautiously — Mantis Shrimp sport powerful claws that they use to attack and kill prey by spearing, stunning or dismemberment. Although it happens rarely, some larger species of Mantis Shrimp are capable of breaking through aquarium glass with a single strike from this weapon.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantis_shrimp - 30.09.2010

Mantis Shrimp

It is nearly unbelievable that an animal can look like this.

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