Odontodactylus scyllarus
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
3-40 meters
The peacock mantis shrimp is one of the most visually stunning and scientifically remarkable animals found in Komodo's waters. This large mantis shrimp, reaching up to 18 centimetres, is dressed in an outrageous palette of neon greens, blues, reds, and oranges that seems to have been designed by nature's most flamboyant artist. But its beauty belies incredible violence — the peacock mantis shrimp is armed with two club-like appendages that it uses to smash open the shells of its prey with one of the fastest and most powerful strikes in the animal kingdom. Each strike accelerates at over 10,000g and reaches speeds of 23 metres per second, generating a cavitation bubble that creates a secondary shockwave capable of stunning prey even if the initial strike misses. In Komodo, peacock mantis shrimp are found in burrows in rubble and sandy areas, often peering out from their tunnels with their extraordinary compound eyes — which contain 16 types of colour receptor cells compared to our three.
Average Size
10-15cm
Size Range
5-18cm
Maximum Size
18cm
Feeds on hard-shelled prey including snails, crabs, clams, and hermit crabs. Uses its powerful club-like appendages to smash open shells with strikes reaching speeds of 23 metres per second.
The peacock mantis shrimp is one of the most visually stunning and scientifically remarkable animals found in Komodo's waters. This large mantis shrimp, reaching up to 18 centimetres, is dressed in an outrageous palette of neon greens, blues, reds, and oranges that seems to have been designed by nature's most flamboyant artist. But its beauty belies incredible violence — the peacock mantis shrimp is armed with two club-like appendages that it uses to smash open the shells of its prey with one of the fastest and most powerful strikes in the animal kingdom. Each strike accelerates at over 10,000g and reaches speeds of 23 metres per second, generating a cavitation bubble that creates a secondary shockwave capable of stunning prey even if the initial strike misses. In Komodo, peacock mantis shrimp are found in burrows in rubble and sandy areas, often peering out from their tunnels with their extraordinary compound eyes — which contain 16 types of colour receptor cells compared to our three.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
No encounters shared yet
Be the first to share your sighting of this species!
Yes. Their strike is powerful enough to crack aquarium glass and can easily break a finger. Never put your hand near a mantis shrimp burrow. Fortunately, they stay in their burrows and will not pursue divers.
Answer a few questions and our team will point you towards the perfect match!
Start nowIt's free and takes 2 mins
