23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Peacock Mantis Shrimp with Eggs

The photo is of a Peacock Mantis Shrimp holding a clutch of eggs. Not only beautiful, Mantis Shrimps have serious superpowers. Their eyes move independently and have 16 photoreceptors (we have 3) enabling them to see many more colours than us, even UV light. Add to that the small clubs (one is visible bottom left) can punch at a speed faster than a .22 caliber bullet. Serious weapons that smash the shells of crabs, stun prey and even glass if you get your camera too close! What an amazing evolutionary package!!!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
Camera: ILCE-7RM5
Copyright: © Peter McGee