Category: Crabs and Shrimp view all from this category

Description Pseudosquilla ciliata, the common mantis shrimp, is a species of mantis shrimp, known by common names including rainbow mantis shrimp and false mantis shrimp. It is widepsread in the Indo-Pacific region.

The colour of P. ciliata varies greatly depending on an individual's environment; for example, P. ciliata living in a grass flat will often turn green, while one living in coralline algae will often turn red. P. ciliata may reach a total length of 95 millimetres (3.7 in).

Warning This is the "shrimp snapper" well known and respected by shrimp trawlers. A quick slash of one of its large appendages can cut a shrimp or fish in two - or lacerate a finger.

Habitat Mud flats, Ocean or bay shallows.

Range Florida, Texas, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, New England.