MANTIS SHRIMPS (SMASHING)
GONODACTYLIDAE
Dark Mantis Shrimp
Neogonodactylus curacaoensis
Size
To 7cm. 

Description
:
Light to dark green or brown, with some white spots on back and greenish blue edges on the abdominal segments.
Blue, red and white raptorial claw arms. Yellow to tan walking legs.Base of eyestalks orange. Tail reddish-orange with blue outline.

Ecology
This species is found in coral reefs particularly in subtidal areas. Benthic; depth range 1 - 38 m. Active during the day. The end of the raptorial dactyl  is blunt, but highly calcified and  it is used as a hammer in attacking prey, smashing the shells of gastropods and the exoskeletons of crustaceans.

Life Cycle
Some members of the order Stomatopoda pair for life and some come together only to mate. Males produce sperm ducts rather than spermatophores; females can brood a maximum of 50,000 eggs. Life cycle: Eggs hatch to a planktonic zoea which lasts for 3 months

    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
Co 7 Mol, Cru I F
Dark Mantis Shrimp
(C) Burek, Frank and Joyce
Dark Mantis Shrimp
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