Invisible Oceans Founder's Collection: Invisible Oceans #17: Stomatopoda II

Alima larva of the Mantis Shrimp. Here, the broad head shield or cephalothorax that covers the shoulders and much of the head has expanded and begins to show features seen in the adult Mantis Shrimp. Notice how the eyes have become even more extended out to either side of the head, all the better to detect the third dimension, so essential if you are to grab fast moving prey. The tail end or telson of this larva will eventually form a broad and strong paddle with which the adult and late larval stages can thrust violently for and aft and render their owner very able to lunge forward in attack, or recoil backwards under predator attack upon them.

Lizard Island, Australia (1986)

Nikon F2 | Custom Optics | Kodachrome 64