Caribbean Mantis Shrimp...
What is that?...After years of diving I saw, for the first time, alarm on the dive master's face. This is a shot of a Mantis Shrimp in it's sand burrow. Having never seen one before I was unaware that they are aggressive with a nasty temperament and that they are capable of inflicting serious injury. "Split Thumb" is a hazard to divers who get too close as this animal uses it's hammer like claws with incredible speed and force. In captivity some species can break aquarium glass. Caribbean Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopod are not true "shrimp") can grow to 40 cm and have the power to cut a finger or toe deep to the bone. For video clips of this character in action click here for "OceanFootage".