Meet the Ocean’s Most Surprising Cute Sea Creature – The Mantis Shrimp
The ocean is full of surprises, but few are as jaw-dropping as the mantis shrimp—a small, vibrant sea creature with eyes like an alien, colors like a rainbow, and a punch that could crack glass. Despite its tough reputation, this cute sea creature is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals in the underwater world.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the mantis shrimp the most colorful brawler on the reef—and why scuba divers should keep an eye out for this tiny powerhouse on their next dive adventure.
What is a Mantis Shrimp?
At first glance, the mantis shrimp might look like a psychedelic shrimp or a mini lobster on a color bender. But it’s not actually a shrimp at all—it’s a unique sea creature belonging to its own order, Stomatopoda, a branch of the crustacean family tree.
This cute sea creature is built for action. It’s small—typically 4 to 6 inches long—but loaded with high-tech features and a punch that rivals some small-caliber bullets. Don’t let the size fool you: the mantis shrimp is all about speed, power, and attitude.
Where Does This Sea Creature Live?
Hiding in Plain Sight
Mantis shrimp are tropical sea creatures found throughout the Indo-Pacific, the Red Sea, parts of the Caribbean, like the Belize Barrier Reef, and other warm coastal regions. They make their homes in burrows dug into the sand, beneath coral heads, or in rocky crevices. If you’re scuba diving near coral reefs or rubble zones, you’re right in their neighborhood.
They’re shy and secretive—typical behavior for a cute sea creature that packs such a punch. You’ll often only see a pair of eyeballs sticking out of a hole, checking out the scene.
What Do Mantis Shrimp Eat?
Video credits: @KQEDDeepLook
Smasher vs. Spearer: The Two Types
Depending on the species, mantis shrimp are either:
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Smashers: With club-like limbs, they crush hard-shelled prey like clams, snails, and crabs.
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Spearers: With sharp, spiny claws, they impale soft-bodied animals like small fish and worms.
This little sea creature is a true predator—fast, focused, and equipped for damage. They’re incredibly precise, and once they strike, it’s lights out for the unlucky critter on the menu.
This Sea Creature’s Famous Bullet Punch
Faster Than a Speeding Shrimp
What really sets the mantis shrimp apart? It’s legendary punch.
This cute sea creature can strike at over 50 mph, accelerating faster than a bullet from a .22 caliber gun. The punch lasts just 2.7 milliseconds—faster than the human eye can see.
But here’s the kicker: the strike is so fast it causes the water around it to boil, forming cavitation bubbles. When these collapse, they create a secondary shockwave, a tiny flash of light, and heat as hot as the surface of the sun. Even if the mantis shrimp misses its target, the shockwave can still deal the knockout blow.
It’s like getting hit twice in one move. No wonder other sea creatures give them space.
Eyes Like No Other Sea Creature
Mantis shrimp eyes are another marvel, they have the world’s best eyes. Each one moves independently, giving them 360-degree vision, and they can see polarized light and 16 types of color receptors, compared to our 3. Read this article to learn more about why they have the best eyes.
That means this cute sea creature can detect colors and light patterns we can’t even comprehend. Scientists believe their eyes are among the most advanced in the animal kingdom.
So while you’re admiring their punch, they’re probably giving you a full-spectrum scan from their coral hideout.
How Big is a Mantis Shrimp?
Most mantis shrimp are the size of a medium hot dog—around 4 to 6 inches long, though some species can grow up to a foot. Despite their size, they’re some of the most mighty sea creatures around.
Their small size makes them perfect subjects for macro underwater photography. They’re colorful, alien-looking, and full of personality. A great find for divers who love quirky and cute sea creatures.
How Can Scuba Divers Find One?
Dive Tips for Spotting a Mantis Shrimp
If you want to find one of these remarkable sea creatures, follow these tips:
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Dive in tropical or subtropical waters with coral reefs or sandy patches.
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Look for burrow holes in rubble zones or sandy flats.
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Use a macro lens or magnifying glass to peer into holes and crevices.
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Move slowly and respectfully—they’re shy and easily spooked.
Some divers have even reported hearing a “click” or pop sound underwater when a mantis shrimp strikes something nearby. Keep your ears open!
Why This Cute Sea Creature Matters
Aside from being adorable and deadly, mantis shrimp are important parts of reef ecosystems. They help control populations of other marine animals and serve as prey for larger predators.
Researchers are also studying their club-like appendages to develop stronger materials for armor, vehicles, and aerospace design. This little sea creature is helping push human technology forward. Not bad for a colorful crustacean with attitude.
Join Larry Wedgewood for a Mantis Shrimp Dive & Photography Class!
Want to see this incredible, cute sea creature for yourself? Join us for a guided dive trip and underwater photography workshop in one of the Mantis Shrimp’s tropical habitats, the Belize Barrier Reef!
You’ll learn:
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How to find and photograph mantis shrimp and other rare sea creatures.
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Tips for shooting with action cams and macro lenses.
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How to approach marine life without disturbing their environment.
No experience necessary—just bring your love of the ocean and your sense of adventure.
Reserve your spot and take your diving (and photography) to the next level!
A Quick Parting Thought
The mantis shrimp is a reminder that the ocean still holds mysteries, superpowers, and wild beauty in the tiniest packages. It’s a cute sea creature with the heart of a heavyweight, and one of the coolest critters you can spot on a dive.
So the next time you’re cruising over coral, keep an eye out for this color-splashed commando. It might be hiding in a hole, ready to throw the fastest punch in the ocean—just for show, of course.
