Huge Mantis Shrimp I saw in Italy.

[sandalscout]

So, my wife and I went to Italy this summer for two weeks to visit family, spending our time in Tuscany (central western coast) between Livorno, Florence, Arrezzo and some time in Pisa. The second or third day we were there, we went to the market in Livorno. And spotted these bad boys, mostly in the 10"-12" range or so:

Apparently they are found fairly close to shore in the region. I actually like mantis shrimp a lot, so my wife's cousin kept trying to get me to eat one. No dice.

 

[NeveSSL]

Wow! That's crazy. These look like peacocks. Any idea on the species?

That's hilarious they tried to get you to eat one.

Brandon

 

[allgoodsystems]

Are you kidding me?

"mantis shrimp sport powerful claws that they use to attack and kill prey by spearing, stunning or dismemberment. Although it happens rarely, some larger species of mantis shrimp are capable of breaking through aquarium glass with a single strike from this weapon"

 

[sandalscout]

Honestly, I don't know what species they are. It might even be possible that they are not true mantis shrimp, pretty sure they are though. I believe we worked out the translation to be correct, and I immediately thought peacocks when I saw them also.

 

[shirley386]

I used to live on the Gulf Coast and my wife worked with a girl who's husband was captain of a Gulf Shrimper. They would bring back what they called "bulldozers" for a few family and friends. I think they were something they caught occasionally in the nets but not enough for commercial value. They looked just like big Mantis shrimp. At that time I was not into reef tanks so I had not heard of Mantis but they were good, almost like lobster.

 

[DMBillies]

I would have called them lunch... then again, I think I've eaten just about everything from the water that's been put on my plate (e.g., octopus, seaweed, urchin, squid, cuttlefish, roe, etc.). I guess I can see the peacock possibility. A lot of stuff like that looks a lot different when dead and/or out of the water.

 

[twinspots_goby]

I personal tries some of those while I was in China. They do taste just like shrimp or lobster. But there aren't a lot meat to eat unlike shrimps and lobsters. That's why they are sold cheap, not much food value.

 

[Pandarian]

I've had some too. Actually quite a few. IMO, I thought they tasted more like crab meat. Twinspots is right that there aren't a lot of meat to them. Funny thing is, I've owned a few mantis shrimp before. Nothing like eating something you've kept.

 

[sandalscout]

Funny thing is, I've owned a few mantis shrimp before. Nothing like eating something you've kept.

yeah, I don't normally get wigged out by eating things I've owned (but I don't like/eat fish, so the biggest attachment isn't a problem), but I just couldn't bring myself to eat these. I ate urchin for the first time there, it was GREAT in spaghetti, and a bit weird seeing the occasional spine that made it's way into the sauce.

 

[DRS]

Should have ate them. Think of it this way, when else will you get the chance? I wish I had got to eat the scorpion in China, but the tourguide thought it was to intense for the more delecate members of the group.

I personnally woul like a mantis shrimp in a peco tank, iAll you need is glass thicker than 1/4 inch so they don't shatter it. I also hear they are clean eaters.