Mantis Shrimp

Mantis shrimp are stomatopod crustaceans of the order Stomatopoda, remarkable for their complex eyes and the striking force of their raptorial claws, capable of striking with the force of a bullet. They are found in tropical and subtropical shallow marine waters across the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean. Several species are eaten as seafood, particularly Oratosquilla oratoria in East Asia and Squilla mantis in Italy and Spain. Mantis shrimp are primarily a fresh market food in the regions where they are consumed. In tinned form they appear from a small number of Asian specialty producers. The Italian squilla is occasionally found in artisan Mediterranean conservas.