Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Odontodactylus scyllarus

Sighting evidence at Port Vila Bay Night Dive, Efate

Peacock mantis shrimp occupy burrows in the sandy bottom of Port Vila Bay and are active both day and night, making them one of the most reliably photographed species on the site. Their club-like appendages can strike with the force of a pistol bullet, capable of shattering aquarium glass and requiring careful observation distance. The brilliant blue, green, and orange coloration of large individuals — they reach 18 centimeters — combined with their habit of standing at their burrow entrance on alert makes them an extraordinary photographic subject.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Peacock Mantis Shrimp is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Evidence at this site

Also seen at other sites