Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Photo: R Lai · © all rights reserved

Peacock mantis shrimp occupy burrows in the rubble zones between coral formations along the Houshi terrace, most active at dusk when they emerge to hunt. Their iridescent coloration — electric blue, green, and orange — makes them unmistakable among the rubble when a torch is shone across the bottom. These stomatopods strike prey with a force capable of shattering crustacean shells, and their burrow excavations are visible as neat piles of rubble around the entrance.