In the vibrant reefs of the Manta Marine Protected Area, lives one of the ocean’s most extraordinary little warriors: the mantis shrimp. Though small in size, this remarkable creature is a true marvel of evolution, combining strength, speed, and vision in ways that almost defy belief.

So what makes the mantis shrimp so fascinating?

• Blazing speed and power – With a strike that reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h, the mantis shrimp’s punch is one of the fastest movements in the animal kingdom. It’s powerful enough to crack crab shells and even aquarium glass.

• Shockwaves and flashes of light – When they strike, they generate shockwaves strong enough to stun prey, sometimes producing tiny bursts of light known as sonoluminescence.

• A kaleidoscope of vision – While humans have three types of color receptors, mantis shrimp boast an incredible 16. Their eyes can move independently, giving them a unique ability to detect polarized light and see a spectrum of colors beyond our imagination.

• Nature’s underwater warrior – Despite their size, these creatures are highly effective predators, perfectly adapted to life on the reef.

The presence of mantis shrimp in our Marine Protected Area highlights the incredible biodiversity of Pemba’s reefs — and the importance of protecting these ecosystems. Every species, no matter how small, plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of life beneath the waves.

Next time you snorkel or dive at The Manta Resort, keep your eyes open — you might just spot this tiny but mighty guardian of the reef in action.

📷 Captured by marine biologist @casseaopee