Citation
Mantis Shrimp Vision and Visual Communication
TL;DR
Mantis shrimp have 16 color receptors vs. human 3
Research establishing that mantis shrimp possess 16 color receptors and can see polarized light, forming the basis for understanding their meral spread display as an honest signal system. The correlation between appendage size/UV patterns and fighting ability demonstrates costly signaling principles.
Key Findings from Marshall & Cronin (2019)
- Mantis shrimp have 16 color receptors vs. human 3
- Can perceive UV and polarized light
- Meral spread UV patterns correlate with striking power
- Strike accelerates at 10,000g