Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Hemisquilla californiensis

Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Hemisquilla californiensis. Length: 30 cm (11.8 inches). Capable of moving faster than Usain Bolt!

The Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Hemisquilla californiensis (Stephenson, 1967), is a “smasher” and member of the Hemisquillidae Family of Mantis Shrimp. Historically it was considered to be a subspecies of Hemisquilla ensigera, but is now recognized as a separate species. They are one of the most colorful of the stomatopods in the region. Their legs may be blue to purple in color, the uropods are yellow, orange, and blue and the second pair of thoracic appendages are yellow. Most of the rest of the body is brownish, though some specimens have pink to red color on the carapace. Peacock Mantis Shrimp reach a maximum length of 32 cm (12.6 inches).

Peacock Mantis Shrimp reside in deep burrows in sand, mud, or sand and shell mix at depths between 10 and 350 feet. They are nocturnal. They are found in all Mexican waters of the Pacific with the exception that they are absent from north of Bahia de Los Angeles in the Sea of Cortez. Caution: the Peacock Mantis Shrimp second pair of thoracic appendages are sharp and inflict serious lacerations if not handled carefully.