Mantis Shrimps: Stomatopoda

Physical characteristics: This small species measures up to 0.98 inches (25 millimeters) in length and is marked to match its background.

Geographic range: This species can be found off the Pacific coast of Panama.

Habitat: They live in shallow waters on muddy bottoms close to shore.

Diet: This species is a spearer that waits inside the entrance of its burrow to ambush soft-bodied fish and crustaceans.

Behavior and reproduction: When washed up on shore by high tides or storms, Nannosquilla decemspinosa turns itself into a wheel When washed up on shore by high tides or storms, Nannosquilla decemspinosa turns itself into a wheel and rolls back to the water. (Illustration by John Megahan. Reproduced by permission.) and rolls back to the water at 72 revolutions per minute, or 1.5 body lengths per second. If it slows down before reaching the shore, it uses its entire body as a spring to move upward and forward into the next roll.

Males actively search for females and engage in mating displays in front of their burrows. After mating, the male will guard the female until the larvae swim out to sea and then he leaves.

Nannosquilla decemspinosa and people: Its ability to roll like a wheel makes this species a scientific curiosity.

Conservation status: Nannosquilla decemspinosa is not considered endangered or threatened. ∎