Komodo National Park is famous for its world-class diving — from manta ray encounters to thriving coral reefs, but some of the most fascinating creatures are also the smallest. Among them is the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, one of the most colorful and powerful crustaceans in the ocean.
Amare Divers Komodo loves showing our guests that the magic of Komodo diving isn’t just about the big stuff. Sometimes, it’s about what’s hiding in the rubble or under a rock. Let’s dive into the incredible world of this tiny knockout artist.
What Is a Peacock Mantis Shrimp?
The Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) is a vibrant, rainbow-colored crustacean found on many coral reef dive sites in Komodo. With eyes that rotate independently and color vision far superior to ours, it’s often called an alien of the underwater world.
But what really makes it famous? Its punch.
This shrimp can strike with the speed of a bullet — up to 80 km/h — fast enough to crack snail shells, break aquarium glass, and even create cavitation bubbles that deliver a second shockwave to its prey.
Where to Spot Them: Best Dive Sites in Komodo
You don’t need to go deep to find them. They’re often found at shallow reef slopes or sandy bottoms — places like:
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Siaba Besar (great for beginner diving in Komodo)
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Tatawa Besar (amazing coral reef diversity)
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Sabolon Kecil (perfect for underwater photography in Komodo)
Our dive guides at Amare Divers Labuan Bajo are trained to spot even the sneakiest critters. With patience and a sharp eye, we’ll help you see this colorful crustacean in action.
Eco-Facts: The Shrimp with Superpowers
Despite their power, Peacock Mantis Shrimp are not aggressive toward divers — but they’re an important reminder of why eco-friendly diving in Indonesia is crucial. Their reef habitats are delicate, and careless fin kicks or poor buoyancy can destroy their tiny homes.
That’s why we prioritize buoyancy training in our SSI dive courses Komodo, helping divers of all levels — from beginners to advanced — stay controlled and confident in the water.
Perfect for Macro Lovers & Photography Addicts
If you’re into macro photography, this shrimp is a must-see. With its psychedelic colors, alien eyes, and dynamic movements, it’s one of the most photogenic species in the marine biodiversity of Indonesia.
Want to take your shots to the next level? Our team offers free underwater videos in Komodo, and we can give you tips on how to get that perfect frame during your dive trip in Komodo.
Dive Komodo National Park with Amare
Either you’re coming for liveaboard Komodo adventures, day trips, or to level up with nitrox or advanced diving Komodo courses, you’ll never run out of incredible creatures to discover — from giant mantas to tiny mantis shrimp.
Join us at Amare Divers Komodo and experience the thrill of discovering the ocean’s smallest superhero!
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Book your Komodo dive trip with Amare
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