Crustacean
Spottail mantis shrimp
Squilla mantis
(GSA7) Gulf of Lion, (GSA8) Corsica
Fishing zones
Wild
Origin
2,6 cm
Minimum size
Description
It is a stomatopod crustacean with an elongated body that is flattened dorsoventrally. Its carapace is relatively short and does not cover the entire thorax. It has two highly visible ocelli (dark circles surrounded by white) on the telson (the tail), which resemble eyes to deceive predators. The second pair of thoracic legs is modified into powerful, foldable claws equipped with sharp teeth, used to capture prey through rapid extension. Generally gray-brown or yellowish, with pinkish or purple sheen along the edges of the segments. It typically measures between 12 and 18 cm, but can reach a maximum size of 20 cm. Carnivorous and predatory, it feeds on other crustaceans, mollusks, and small benthic fish.
Habitat
A benthic, burrowing species. It is found primarily at depths of 20 to 100 meters, although it can descend to depths of up to 250 meters. It lives exclusively on soft substrates, such as silty sand or pure mud, in which it digs complex burrows with two openings. It remains hidden in its burrow during the day and emerges to hunt at night. It is often found near the mouths of large rivers where the sediments are rich in nutrients
Distribution
It is very common throughout the Mediterranean basin (particularly in the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Lion). It is the most abundant species of cuttlefish in the Mediterranean. Its range extends from the Bay of Biscay (rare in the north) to the coasts of West Africa (Gulf of Guinea and Angola).