The peacock mantis shrimp is not a shrimp. Nor is it a mantis (a type of insect), although, as with most arthropods, it does have compound eyes. These mobile, stalked eyes are thought to be the most sophisticated in the animal kingdom. They can act independently or together, and perceive wavelengths of light ranging from deep ultraviolet (300 nm) to far-red (720 nm), as well as polarised light. This is all very useful for one of the most important predators of shallow tropical and subtropical marine habitats when searching for prey or mates.
Mantis shrimps do resemble a cross between a mantis and a shrimp. These crustaceans are stomatopods. This name comes from the Greek words for mouth and foot, and reflects the location of their respiratory organs (gills), which are on their rearmost appendages. However, the appendages at the front are their most impressive attributes. If you are lucky enough to be snorkelling or diving where mantis shrimps live, you will probably hear them before you see them.
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