418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

water. Males detect this perfume and come running to her side. She, of course, cannot mate until she moults. Mother Nature has give female crabs the ability to synchronise egg fertility and moulting. Males have special claspers to restrain the females. They can be seen coupled together for up to two days until her old shell is shed. During this time, she is vulnerable to predators. Males will protect her and defend her from predators for a few days until her shell hardens. A real act of chivalry in the wild. Mantis Shrimps and the Wheel of Karma Female Mantis Shrimp use their front appendages to carry thousands of eggs in a ball. She protects them until they hatch. These eggs are a favorite food for many creatures. This is a classic example of the wheel of karma in the sea. Mantis Shrimps are one of the most dangerous predators on the reefs. Adults spend their life killing everything from Lionfish to Puffer fish and even Blue ring octopuses by literally punching their lights out.

No creature would be able to steal eggs from this warrior shrimp

Their rich high protein eggs and larvae are highly prized by predators. Few eggs survive to adult hood. Mother Mantis Shrimp knows that her eggs

Female Peacock Mantis Shrimp in berry

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Dive Log Australasia #418 June ’26

www.divelog.net.au