The mantis shrimp has one of the most complex visual systems in the animal kingdom
This creature is thought to have the most complex visual system in the animal kingdom. How can we break down such a complicated biological system? Let’s start by talking about photoreceptor cells. These cells are used to convert light into signals. These signals then facilitate biological processes. In humans (and mammals) the three types of photoreceptor cells we have are rods, cones, and ipRGC’s (intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells). Instead of three photoreceptor cell types, the mantis shrimp has 12-16!
Mantis shrimp eyes are mounted on individual stalks. Their eyes can actually move independent of each other. Each eye contains thousands of ommatidia. Check out the Blow Fly story this month to learn more about ommatidia. Not only can mantis shrimp see well from virtually 360 degrees, they also can see a variety of wavelengths of light.
These otherworldly creatures not only have complex eyes, but also complex behaviors. Mantis shrimp are long-lived creatures, some will even remain with the same partner for more than 20 years. In their lifetime, a mantis shrimp will breed about 25 times. Their eggs can either be deposited in a burrow, or carried under the female’s tail.
It is easy to see how the mantis shrimp got its name. They closely resemble the body of a praying mantis, including their notorious front limbs. In fact, the mantis shrimp use these limbs the same way a prey mantis would. Except the mantis shrimp strike is even more lethal. Mantis shrimp have the world’s fastest limb movement. There are even reports of mantis shrimp breaking through aquarium glass with their strike!
They closely resemble the body of a praying mantis
Although they are called mantis "shrimp", they are more similar to lobsters
This photo was taken at the Blue Heron Bridge near West Palm Beach, Florida. This mantis shrimp was living in a ~3” diameter hole. I saw it at a distance, and approached slowly so not to spook it. I’ve found that if you get low to the sand and approach slowly, you can get very close to these interesting creatures. Their colors can range wildly, but generally include greens, blues, yellows, and browns. Technically, mantis shrimp are crustaceans, similar to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Although they are called mantis "shrimp", they are actually more similar to lobsters. Mantis shrimp live on the bottom (typically in shallow waters) and crawl around on eight pairs of legs. Five of these eight pairs of legs have claws.
I enjoy mantis shrimp because they look at you with the same curiosity as you look at them!
Did You Know?
The ancient Assyrians called mantis shrimp “sea locusts”. Australians call them “prawn killers”. Others call them “thumb splitters”.
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