Somewhere in the Indo-Pacific, there’s a tiny creature with the punch of a bullet and the colors of a rainbow. It’s called the Peacock Mantis Shrimp. Small but unforgettable, this curious little predator is a favorite among divers for both its beauty and its attitude.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the Peacock Mantis Shrimp so unique, where it lives, how it behaves, and how you can meet one yourself!
What Is a Peacock Mantis Shrimp?
The Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) is a species of mantis shrimp, a type of marine crustacean in the order Stomatopoda.
Despite the name, mantis shrimps are not true shrimps and are not related to praying mantises. They are a unique group of predators that evolved separately from other crustaceans.
The Peacock Mantis Shrimp can grow up to 18 cm long. It is easily recognized by its colorful body, which can include shades of green, blue, orange, and red, often paired with bold, spotted patterns.
This species is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region and is known for living in burrows or holes within coral reefs and sandy seabeds.
What Makes Peacock Mantis Shrimp a Unique Predator?
The Peacock Mantis Shrimp is best known for its beauty and its incredible punch. As a “puncher” mantis shrimp, it uses a pair of specialized club-like limbs to deliver one of the fastest strikes in the animal world.
This power allows it to crack open hard shells with ease, making it one of the most efficient hunters of its size. When it spots a crab or snail, it waits for the perfect moment, then strikes with a mix of patience, precision, and speed.
Its vision plays an equally important role. With far more photoreceptors than humans, it can see a wider range of colors, including ultraviolet light, and detect subtle movements with exceptional clarity.
Fun Fact: It’s club packs the same impact force as a small bullet!
Where Do Peacock Mantis Shrimp Live?
Peacock Mantis Shrimp live close to the seafloor in sandy or rubbly areas around coral reefs. They are skilled diggers and build U-shaped burrows that serve as both shelter and a lookout point.
From inside these burrows, they watch the world outside and protect their space from anything that comes too close. When they finally step out, they zip across the seabed with an energy that makes them look far braver than their size suggests.
These lively little hunters are found throughout shallow tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, where warm conditions and rich reef life give them everything they need.
Where Can You Find Peacock Mantis Shrimp?
Peacock Mantis Shrimp are widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. If you are hoping to see them in the wild, these three world-class destinations are among the best places to look:
1. Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
Known as the world’s muck diving capital, Lembeh is famous for many critters. Among this lineup of iconic critters, the Peacock Mantis Shrimp is a regular sight. They often peek from burrows in the black sand, their bright colors standing out against the dark volcanic bottom.
You may also catch them reacting to nearby neighbors such as gobies, juvenile lionfish, or tiny crustaceans that wander too close to their burrow.
2. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat’s reefs are full of life, from wobbegong sharks and manta rays to pygmy seahorses and schools of anthias.
Hidden among these big and small wonders are Peacock Mantis Shrimp, which thrive in the region’s coral gardens and rubble patches. The combination of light, color, and healthy reef structures makes their movements easy to spot.
You might see them crossing paths with reef fish, scuttling crabs, or small wrasses that hover nearby as they forage. These interactions will show you how alert and aware they are, often pausing mid-stride to assess a passing creature before deciding whether to retreat or continue on their mission.
3. Anilao, Philippines
Anilao is known for its macro treasures like nudibranchs, frogfish, and other shrimp, all living among gentle reef slopes and rubble fields.
Peacock Mantis Shrimp can be found in these same areas, often sitting at the entrance of their burrows and observing everything that moves around them.
Sometimes you’ll see them reacting to curious damselfish or small hermit crabs that wander into their territory. Other times, they might boldly approach small snails or crustaceans while assessing whether they are potential prey.
See the Peacock Mantis Shrimp for Yourself!
Seeing a Peacock Mantis Shrimp in person is a magical experience. Its colors seem brighter, its movements more intentional, and its personality more alive when you watch it emerge from a burrow in the sand.
The Indo-Pacific offers some of the best places to meet this remarkable creature, from the volcanic slopes of Lembeh to the reefs of Anilao and Raja Ampat.
With Solitude, these encounters feel easy and memorable. Our PADI-certified dive guides know where these creatures live and how to help you observe them safely and respectfully.
After each dive, you can return to a welcoming space, enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal, and feel the comfort of a team that treats you like family. It is diving made simple, guided by people who care about the experience as much as you do.
Book your next trip with Solitude and come meet the Peacock Mantis Shrimp in its natural home!