Mantis Shrimp, common name for a group of tropical marine
crustaceans. Mantis shrimp are also called praying shrimp because they hold
their large, hinged claws in a position reminiscent of hands clasped in prayer.
Mantis shrimps vary in length from 6.4 to 56 cm (from 2.5 to 22 in). Their
stalked eyes are borne on separate, movable segments. Mantis shrimp are
nocturnal, foraging aggressively for food at night. (Encarta encyclopedia)
