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Biology

Color Vision and Foraging Choices in Mantis Shrimp

Quick fact

Mantis shrimp have 12 to 16 types of color photoreceptors, far more than humans, yet they can't discriminate between colors as finely as we can. Instead, their visual system is specialized for rapid, robust color recognition in their complex reef environment.

Why this is interesting

You might think that more color receptors means better color vision, but mantis shrimp turn that idea on its head. How do they use their incredible eyes to find food?