Ar-1600 MANTIS SHRIMP, Squilla empusa

A primitive crustacean with long, green stalked eyes, a spiny flexible body, spiked uropods, and raptorial or hammer like appendages that make it difficult to handle. The striking raptorial appendages are used to study functioning of high speed muscles. Nocturnal in nature, in the aquarium mantis shrimps burrow down into the substrate and often swim upside down in circles. Feeding them is a real show. Requires slow and careful acclimation to the aquarium. Size: 8-12 cm.