Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Photo: mikeggg · © all rights reserved

Peacock mantis shrimp occupy burrows in the sandy bottom of Port Vila Bay and are active both day and night, making them one of the most reliably photographed species on the site. Their club-like appendages can strike with the force of a pistol bullet, capable of shattering aquarium glass and requiring careful observation distance. The brilliant blue, green, and orange coloration of large individuals — they reach 18 centimeters — combined with their habit of standing at their burrow entrance on alert makes them an extraordinary photographic subject.