Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp (Squilla mantis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Squilla mantis
- Common name
- Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Squillidae
- Genus
- Squilla
- Size
- 20–35 cm
- Depth
- 5–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy-bottom, muddy-bottom, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, territorial, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean
Description
Squilla mantis reaches 35 cm. Emblematic mantis shrimp of Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic. Brown-red with gray marblings, gray-green appendages. Coastal burrower: excavates burrows in sandy and muddy bottoms 5-60 m. Fierce predator of small crustaceans, mollusks, fish fry. Raptorial: strikes at 16 m/s (40G acceleration). Night-active hunter, burrows by day. Minimally threatened = LC. Historically netted. Rarely observed in recreational diving.
Photo of Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp?
- Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp (Squilla mantis) reaches 20–35 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp?
- Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp is found between 5–60 m deep.
- Is the Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Mediterranean Mantis Shrimp?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Palinurus elephas - European spiny lobster
- Clibanarius erythropus - Red-legged hermit crab
- Homarus gammarus - European lobster
- Pachygrapsus marmoratus - Marbled rock crab
- Mithraculus forceps - Red-ridged clinging crab
- Mithrax spinosissimus - Channel clinging crab
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 136137)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5177263)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia