PSEUDOSQUILLIDAE
Ciliated False Squilla
Pseudosquilla ciliata

Notes:
The False Mantises (Pseudosquillidae) can be distinguished from true Mantis Shrimps, by (1) The eyes being cylindrical rods rather than clubbed (2) 2 large midline spines on telson  and 3 ridges on each side of a central one (3) 2 spines on each uropod (longer one laterally)..amoungst other differences.


Description
:
Very variable color and markings possible, depending on habitat. Can be mottled with white spots or solid brown, black, orange or green with speckling or spots, bands or stripes.
Antennal scales with long cilia (hairs)

Ecology
Often found in the open on sand, rocky shores, pebbles or grassy areas. Depending upon the substrate, may live in a burow, or seek refuge during the day under rubble.

Highly predatory, with raptorial arms having a long spine acting as a spear. Primarily a nocturnal hunter, feeding on small fishes, crustaceans etc, but will also scavenge on dead animals.. Generally more active and in open compared to many True mantis Shrimps which emply a more ambush hunting technique from a home hole.

Life Cycle
Some pair for life, while some come together only to mate. Males produce sperm ducts rather than spermatophores. Eggs hatch into planktonic zoea for 3 months.
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
Co 10 Pisc, Mol, Cru I F
Ciliated False Squilla
Ciliated False Squilla
529
530
FALSE MANTIS SHRIMPS