# Peacock Mantis Shrimp (*Odontodactylus scyllarus*) > The peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) is a vividly coloured predatory crustacean of tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, famous for the fastest strike in the animal kingdom. Growing up to about 18 cm (7 in), it swims over the reef and burrows in the seabed, smashing snails and crabs with club-like appendages that accelerate at over 80 km/h (50 mph). It has extraordinary eyes and lives three to six years. - **Category:** Invertebrate - **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern - **Range:** Burrows on coral reefs of the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Guam and northern Australia. - **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/mantis-shrimp/ - **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16 ## Scientific classification - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Malacostraca - **Order:** Stomatopoda - **Family:** Odontodactylidae - **Genus:** Odontodactylus ## Facts at a glance | Attribute | Value | | --- | --- | | Scientific name | Odontodactylus scyllarus | | Diet | Carnivore (crabs, snails, mollusks, fish) | | Habitat | Burrows on tropical Indo-Pacific reefs | | Lifespan | 3–6 years | | Length | Up to about 18 cm (7 in) | | Top speed | Strike reaches over 80 km/h (50 mph) | | Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) | ## The fastest punch in nature The peacock mantis shrimp belongs to the "smasher" group, armed with a pair of club-shaped appendages folded under the body like a coiled spring. When released, the club accelerates faster than a rifle bullet leaving a barrel, reaching a strike speed of over 80 km/h (50 mph). The blow is so fast that it briefly boils the surrounding water, creating collapsing bubbles that deliver a second shockwave. This lets the animal shatter the shells of snails, crabs and clams that other predators cannot crack. ## Movement and burrows The peacock mantis shrimp swims over the reef with rippling movements of its abdominal legs and crawls along the seabed on its walking legs. It shelters in burrows and crevices in the coral rubble and sand, which it excavates and defends. From the mouth of its burrow it ambushes passing prey, striking with lightning speed before dragging the meal inside. Though only about 18 cm (7 in) long and weighing a mere 60 grams, it is one of the reef's most formidable hunters. ## Remarkable eyes and vision Mantis shrimp have some of the most complex eyes known in the animal kingdom. Each eye sits on a mobile stalk and can move independently, and it contains up to sixteen types of colour receptor, compared with just three in humans. They can also detect ultraviolet and polarised light, which may help them communicate and spot prey. Their vivid green, red and blue body colours are thought to play a role in signalling to rivals and mates. ## Diet and hunting The peacock mantis shrimp is a carnivore that preys on hard-shelled animals such as crabs, snails, molluscs and small fish. It uses its smashing clubs to break open shells that resist most other predators, then feeds on the soft body inside. Prey is detected by sight and ambushed from the burrow entrance with a single explosive strike. This diet of armoured invertebrates makes powerful, durable weapons essential to its survival. ## Behaviour and reproduction Peacock mantis shrimp are typically solitary and aggressively territorial, defending their burrows against intruders. Some pairs form longer bonds, sharing a burrow and cooperating to raise their young. Females lay clutches of eggs that they may carry and tend until they hatch. In captivity these shrimp are notorious among aquarists, as a determined individual can crack aquarium glass with its strike. ## Conservation status The peacock mantis shrimp is listed as Least Concern and is widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific. It is collected for the aquarium trade because of its dazzling colours, but this has not threatened wild populations overall. The main long-term concern is the health of the coral reefs it depends on for shelter and prey. Living three to six years, it remains a common and iconic reef predator. ## Frequently asked questions ### How fast is a mantis shrimp punch? A peacock mantis shrimp's strike accelerates at over 80 km/h (50 mph), making it one of the fastest movements in the animal kingdom. The blow is so rapid that it briefly vaporises water into collapsing bubbles, producing a second shockwave that helps shatter shells. ### How big is a peacock mantis shrimp? The peacock mantis shrimp grows up to about 18 cm (7 in) long and weighs only around 60 grams. Despite its small size, it is one of the most powerful hunters on the reef. ### Why do mantis shrimp have such amazing eyes? Mantis shrimp have up to sixteen types of colour receptor, compared with three in humans, and can see ultraviolet and polarised light. These complex eyes move independently on stalks, helping the shrimp spot prey and communicate with rivals and mates. ### What do mantis shrimp eat? Peacock mantis shrimp are carnivores that hunt hard-shelled animals such as crabs, snails, molluscs and small fish. They smash open shells with their club-like appendages, then eat the soft body inside. ### Can a mantis shrimp break aquarium glass? Yes. A determined peacock mantis shrimp can crack aquarium glass with its powerful strike, which is why aquarists keep them in tanks with thick or reinforced walls. The same blow easily shatters the shells of its prey. ### How long do mantis shrimp live? Peacock mantis shrimp typically live three to six years. They spend much of their lives in burrows on tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, defending their territory and ambushing passing prey. ## Sources - [IUCN Red List — Odontodactylus scyllarus.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Odontodactylus%20scyllarus&searchType=species) - [Animal Diversity Web — Odontodactylus scyllarus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Odontodactylus_scyllarus/) - [Wikipedia — Peacock Mantis Shrimp.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odontodactylus_scyllarus) --- Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/mantis-shrimp/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.