A side view of the Peacock Mantis Shrimp.  Courtesy of Roy L. Caldwell

 

A Force to be Reckoned with!


     When you think of the organism peacock mantis shrimp the first thing you probably do is think of some combination between a peacock (Pavo muticus), praying mantis (Sphodromantis viridis), and shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) that lives in water. Well although that sounds like an extremely awesome combination it’s not exactly what we are talking about. The peacock mantis shrimp known as the Odontodactylus scyllarus is one of those sea creatures known for its attractiveness and one you don’t want to mess with. The peacock mantis shrimp, Odontodactylus scyallarus, is a colorful and unique marine crustacean. It is typically located in the vast Indo-Pacific Ocean going from Guam to East Africa (See Habitat). It also has many extraordinary complex features, which deal with its eyesight and its glass shattering appendages (See Forms and Function). The way this organism reacts and interacts with other sea creatures shows that it means business (See Interaction). We will uncover its strange ways of mating and the life history behind it all (See Reproduction).  This is where the book of secrets for the peacock mantis shrimp are opened.

     If your interested in searching for other organisms from our class, feel free to visit the database Multiple Organisms Website at MultipleOrganisms.net.  This is awsome opportunity to quickly explore different types of organisms that interest you that other students from the University of La Crosse have worked hard on.

A side view of a female O. scyllarus.  Copyright Roy L. Caldwell

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