Smashing Mantis ShrimpPalaemonid Shrimp

Diving with Spearing Mantis Shrimp

Lanta Marine Life | Lysiosquillidae

Building their burrows in soft sediments close to the reef edge, spearing mantis shrimp are usually found at the dive sites around Koh Lanta in their 4 - 6 cm diameter burrow holes.

Unlike the smashing mantis shrimp, spearing mantis shrimp have barbed ‘spring-loaded' front limbs used to stab and capture soft-bodied prey, such as fish and worms.

These shy creatures can often be lured to the surface by gently tapping two pieces of metal together close to the burrow entrance. (e.g. knife and weight block)

1 species found on this page:

Tiger Mantis Shrimp

(Lysiosquillina maculata)
Tiger Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata)

Lysiosquillina maculata @ Koh Haa

The Tiger Mantis Shrimp, or Zebra Mantis Shrimp is the largest Stomatopod, growing to a massive 40 cm, but normally observed much smaller than this. This species digs long burrows in the sand close to the reef edge and is rarely seen outside it's burrow.

The eyes are oval and bi-lobed (two lobes) in shape and covered in small white spots. The antennae are speckled, and the tail segments are alternately coloured dark and light, giving the 'tiger' or 'zebra' stripe effect.

Tiger Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina maculata)

Tiger Mantis Shrimp @ Koh Haa

The Tiger Mantis Shrimp is a Spearing Mantis shrimp and hunts from the entrance to the burrow.

Like other Spearing Mantis, this species has a spring and latch system at the base of their raptorial appendages which creates a spring-loaded striking weapon to catch prey.

Diving with Spearing Mantis Shrimp around Koh Lanta

Scuba Diving & Snorkel Trips

If you'd love a chance to spot Spearing Mantis Shrimp on one of our daily high season diving trips from Koh Lanta then send us an email to info@diveandrelax.com.

Join our high season speedboat dive trips to some of Thailand's best dive sites and enjoy small groups, short journey times, with a focus on great personal service, safety and fun.

Not yet a certified diver? Learn to Scuba Dive on Koh Lanta with the 3 day SSI Open Water Diver course.

Book online to save 10% on dive trips and scuba courses on Koh Lanta.

Find Out More

Indo-Pacific Marine Life Guides

More Marine Life References and Further Information

×

Dive Trips & Scuba Courses

Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

  • Please let us know:

    • when will you arrive on Koh Lanta?
    • your previous dive experience?
    • which diving activities you are interesed in?
  • If you're already here on Lanta, you can call or WhatsApp +66 (0)89 050 3009