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Species: Gonodactylellus caldwelli

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Click on any image to see an enlargement. All photos © 2005 Roy Caldwell.

Common name: Blue-lined Mantis Shrimp

Functional type: Smasher

Range: Northern Australia and Indonesia

Habitat: Coral rubble exposed to relatively strong wave action

Depth: Low intertidal to 1 m

Home: Cavities in coral rubble

Diet: Small crustaceans and gastropods

Size: 7–70 mm, usually less than 25 mm

Color: Variable; usually mottled green or tan and cream, meral spot white

Distinguishing Characters: Iridescent longitudinal blue stripes on carapace, this is the largest member of the genus

Activity: Diurnal

Aquarium Requirements:

Temperature: 23–28° C

Salinity: 34–35 PSU

Cohabitants: Will eat crustaceans and gastropods

Aquarium size (adult): 10 l

Aquarium substrate: Cavity in coral rubble

Suitability for Aquarium: Good; rarely leaves cavity

Availability: Rare; occasional hitchhiker in LR from Indonesia

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External Anatomy and Explanatory Notes