Smasher Mantis Shrimp with Eggs

A Smasher Mantis Shrimp with eggs

This mantis shrimp is carrying a full load of eggs. This shrimp, and their partner, will care for the eggs until they hatch, and the larvae head out on their own. Mantis shrimp are divided into "smashers" who crush the shells of their prey, and "spearers" who impale fish that stumble too close. This appears to be a smasher; the club-like clawas are more clearly visible in other shots. Both have spring-loaded claws. A blow from a smasher has impact similar to a 22 caliber bullet. Mantis shrimp have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdon, with 12 to 16 types of photoreceptors. (Humans have 4.) The most elaborate are in the 6 horizontal rows across the middle of the eyes. They can detect multiple primary colors from ultraviolet through infrared, as well as linearly and circularly polarized light. Mantis shrimp are highly intelligent, with elaborate mating rituals and well-defined territories that they defend by ritual combat. Some mate for life. However, they are not shrimp; they are Stomatopods, who branched off from shrimp, lobsters, isopods, and their other cousins of the class Malacostraca about 400 Myr ago.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantis_shrimp

https://www.barrierreef.org/the-reef/animals/mantis-shrimp