What did I see ?

[ScubaSteve]

Can you describe it in more detail Sue Sue? Colors? Sizes? Is it on specific types of coral?

 

[Sue Sue]

Can you describe it in more detail Sue Sue? Colors? Sizes? Is it on specific types of coral?

Brown, tiny, looked like a caterpillar, lots of little legs, big googly eyes, scurried around like crazy, playing and hiding on flat type hard coral. Once he saw me he ran for his hiding spot and just peeked out at me....:amazed: SS

 

[jlyle]

Oh, mantis shrimp!

 

[Sue Sue]

Oh, mantis shrimp!

The critter I saw was only about 1 inch long...Infant mantis shrimp ???

 

[ScubaSteve]

Brown, tiny, looked like a caterpillar, lots of little legs, big googly eyes, scurried around like crazy, playing and hiding on flat type hard coral. Once he saw me he ran for his hiding spot and just peeked out at me....:amazed: SS

Was it furry? Crusty?

 

[Sue Sue]

Was it furry? Crusty?

Looked...smooth...somewhat soft ... Boy, this has really turned into a puzzle ??? Thanks for trying . I just wish I could remember the name... SS

 

[jlyle]

The dark mantis is 1.25-2 inches. The ciliated false squlla is 1.5-2.5 inches. The swollen-claw mantis is 1-2 inches. From your description, you saw one of these. I wish I had some images, but the blasted little buggers are fast!

 

[ScubaSteve]

dark mantis

Ciliated false squilla

swollen claw mantis

Above are the best links that I could come up with. Is there a match?

 

[Sue Sue]

I am leaning toward the dark mantis. The little guy I saw was dark brown. And, you are right....FAST little bugger . Thanks for all of your help. Just wish I would have been able to get a photo.

 

[TheUWPhotographer.com]

I found this one a couple of years ago on Chankanaab Reef

And this guy more recently on a shore dive at Scuba Club Cozumel