Mantis shrimp [Neogonodactylus oerstedii]
Description
Neogonodactylus oerstedii, commonly known as the mantis shrimp, is a marine crustacean found primarily in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the larger species in its genus, with adults typically reaching lengths of 18-20 cm. The mantis shrimp is known for its vibrant coloration, with bright green, blue, and red hues. It has a unique hunting behavior, using its powerful claws to strike prey with the speed of a bullet. This species inhabits sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters, often hiding in burrows during the day.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Mantis Shrimps
Stomatopoda
|
| Family |
Gonodactylidae
Gonodactylidae
|
| Genus |
Neogonodactylus
Neogonodactylus
|