Mantis shrimp with eggs
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Mantis shrimp with eggs
Mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) in a burrow protecting its eggs. Despite its name this is neither a mantis or a shrimp, instead being a crustacean only distantly related to the true shrimps. It is an active predator, and uses its club-like front limbs to kill prey. It mainly feeds on crabs and molluscs, breaking open their shells with blows from these clubs. A mantis shrimp strike is one of the fastest animal movements in the world, with a force similar to that of a low-calibre bullet. The eyes of the mantis shrimp are the most complex in the world, containing as many as 16 different types of photoreceptor (compared to four in humans). Photographed in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6468873
© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Burrow Carrying Clutch Crustacean Eggs Indonesia Lembeh Strait Mantis Shrimp North Sulawesi Protecting
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the mesmerizing sight of a Mantis shrimp diligently guarding its precious clutch of eggs within the safety of its burrow. Despite its misleading name, this remarkable creature belongs to the crustacean family and is distantly related to true shrimps. Renowned for its predatory prowess, the Mantis shrimp employs its club-like front limbs to swiftly dispatch prey, particularly crabs and molluscs whose shells it effortlessly shatters with powerful blows. The lightning-fast strike of a mantis shrimp ranks among the swiftest movements in the animal kingdom, delivering a force comparable to that of a low-caliber bullet. However, what truly sets this species apart are its extraordinary eyes – considered as one of nature's most intricate visual systems. With an astonishing array of up to 16 different types of photoreceptors (in contrast to our mere four), these eyes enable the mantis shrimp to perceive an unparalleled spectrum of colors and detect even subtle variations in light. Photographed amidst the enchanting Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, this image showcases not only the beauty but also sheds light on crucial aspects of marine biology. It serves as a testament to both nature's ingenuity and biodiversity while offering us glimpses into fascinating underwater ecosystems teeming with life.
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