Spottail Mantis Shrimp, Long Bodied Crab – Squilla mantis

The Spottail Mantis Shrimp, Long Bodied Crab – Squilla mantis is a fascinating marine invertebrate known for its powerful predatory capabilities. This crustacean, with its distinctive long body, is a captivating example of nature’s diverse and intricate adaptations.

Description & Characteristics

Squilla mantis boasts an elongated, flattened body, typically reaching a maximum size of around 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in length. The distinctive feature of this mantis shrimp is its prominent, forward-facing, raptorial appendages, resembling the arms of a praying mantis. These “arms” are equipped with a powerful club, capable of generating immense force, used for capturing prey with lightning-fast strikes. The animal’s body is adorned with a vibrant pattern of brown and white spots, enhancing its camouflage in the sandy environments it calls home.

Habitat and Occurrence

Squilla mantis is primarily found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, extending from the coasts of Portugal and the British Isles to the coast of Morocco. It thrives in shallow coastal waters, typically inhabiting sandy bottoms, seagrass meadows, and rocky reefs. The species is often found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone down to around 100 meters (330 feet), preferring the neritic zone, a region characterized by its proximity to the coastline and relatively shallow depths.

Taxonomy

The species Squilla mantis belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Stomatopoda, and Family: Squillidae. This classification highlights its place within the larger grouping of crustaceans, belonging to the specialized order of mantis shrimps, also known as stomatopods. This group is characterized by its unique predatory adaptations, particularly the powerful raptorial appendages.

Feeding

Squilla mantis is a predatory hunter, relying on its formidable raptorial appendages to subdue prey. Its diet consists of a variety of marine organisms, including crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps, and other mantis shrimps. It also targets small fishes, fish larvae, and various invertebrates, such as worms. The species exhibits a keen ability to locate and ambush prey, using its powerful strike to quickly immobilize and dispatch its targets. Their feeding habits make them a significant predator in the marine food web, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats.