Distinguishing features
They are very variable in colour, often matching habitat. The eyes have a distinctive checkerboard pattern.
They can be distinguished from other closely related mantis shrimps by several characteristics; the eye is cylindrical with a hemispherical cornea; the rostral plate lacks a small spine at the front; the carapace does not bear large black spots; the telson has three keel-like ridges on either side of a central ridge; and the base of each uropod terminates in two slender flattened spines, the innermost of which is the shorter. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Up to 9 cm (Length of specimen)
Depth range
- From 0 m to 86 m
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It has a widespread distribution in shallow seas across the tropical Indo-Pacific region and on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is found burrowing in sandy and muddy areas and in seagrass meadows. It is also found on coral rubble, under boulders and on rocky reef flats. (Wikipedia)
Local abundance
- Lizard Island: Fairly common on the reef flat at Coconut Beach
