The peacock mantis shrimp, Odontodactylus scyllarus, is a burrowing crustacean living near the bases of coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific Ocean from Guam to East Africa.
It is larger and more colorful than most other mantis shrimp species, growing up to almost 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length with a mostly green body, and orange legs.
Mantis shrimps have polarized vision which may aid with depth perception during hunting. The eyes are mounted on stalks and can move independently of each other.
They are the only known animals with hyperspectral vision, meaning they can perceive light from infrared through to ultraviolet wavelengths.
This species inhabits U-shaped burrows and is an active hunter, typically preying upon bivalves, gastropods, and other crustaceans like crabs.
It repeatedly smashes its victims using club-shaped raptorial appendages to break through the exoskeleton and access the flesh. The punch is powerful, reportedly reaching more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour, making it the fast known punch of the animal kingdom. They have even been known to punch holes in the glass of an aquarium.
Watch this video to learn more about the peacock mantis shrimp.
