Comprehensive Description:

The mantis shrimp is neither a shrimp nor a praying mantis, however its name is given due to its appearance and they are only very distantly related to the decapods (Debelius 2001). Many of a stomatopod’s distinctive features are related to their raptorial behaviour (Ruppert, Fox & Barnes 2004). Most notably they have specialised, enlarged raptorial claws which are used for defence and in prey capture. Smashing stomatopods, like Gonodactylus chiragra, strike with the dactyl folded, hitting their armoured prey, such as crabs, powerfully with the blunt head, killing or stunning their victim into immobility (Debelius 2001). Another anatomical feature setting them apart is their triramous first antennae. Smashing stomatopods, like Gonodactylus chiragra strike with the dactyl folded, hitting their armoured prey, such as crabs, powerfully with the blunt head, killing or stunning their victim into immobility (Debelius 2001).

Gonodactylus chiragra can be distinguished by its dark olive to light cream colour, which is typically mottled. This mottling allows this species of stomatopod to be well camouflaged with its environment. It is distributed throughout Japan and Australia to the western Indian Ocean, typically in tropical climates (Debelius 2001). Their burrows can be recognised by a collection of prey discards or shell fragments near the entrance.

                                      

Mantis shrimps exhibit some quite complex behaviours and are very interesting creatures to study. They have superior compound eyes to any crustacean, giving them incredible visual capabilities. Mantis shrimps are all visual predators and have been observed as alert and ‘aware’ of their surroundings (Dingle & Caldwell 1969). The antennae are used in chemoreception and can also be used in prey detection when prey is close enough (Ruppert, Fox & Barnes 2004).

 Stomatopods live in burrows which provide refuge from fish predators and a place for molting (Reaka & Manning 1981). Courtship, mating, and brooding of young also occurs in these burrows (Reaka & Manning 1981). Some mantis shrimps mate for life, with the partners sharing the same burrow or retreat, whereas others come together only for mating Ruppert, Fox & Barnes 2004).