Diving with Spearing Mantis Shrimp

Building their burrows in soft sediments close to the reef edge, spearing mantis shrimp are usually found at the dive sites around Koh Lanta in their 4 - 6 cm diameter burrow holes.

Unlike the smashing mantis shrimp, spearing mantis shrimp have barbed ‘spring-loaded' front limbs used to stab and capture soft-bodied prey, such as fish and worms.

These shy creatures can often be lured to the surface by gently tapping two pieces of metal together close to the burrow entrance. (e.g. knife and weight block)

Find Out More

• Allen, G., Steene, R., Humann, P., DeLoach, N. (2003) Reef Fish Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-878348-36-1.
• Humann, P., DeLoach, N., (2010) Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications Inc., ISBN 978-1-878348-44-9
• Debelius, H. (2013) Indian Ocean Reef Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 978-3-939767-52-7.
• Debelius, H. (2004) Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-51-1
• Erhardt, H., Knop, D. (2015) Corals Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-69-4.
• Veron J.E.N., Stafford-Smith M.G., Turak E. and DeVantier L.M. (2016). Corals of the World

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