Halmahera Dispatch, April 27, 2008

Teluk Buli (Buli Bay)
N 00º47.457'  E 128º19.279'

Mark Erdmann, our resident mantis shrimp expert, made an exciting discovery on the northeastern side of Halmahera. He discovered a species of mantis shrimp that is completely new to science. 

Mantis shrimps come in many shapes and sizes. Some are quite large (about 35cm long), while others are very small (about 1cm). The new species is tiny (about 1cm long), and it's amazing Mark could find it among the startling complexity of a coral reef.  

Mantis shrimp are crustaceans, like crabs or shrimps. They are carnivores and have specialized raptorial appendages they use to kill their prey. Some species have clubs (smashers), while others have claws (spearers). Despite its small size, the new species is a smasher!  

I wonder how many more new species we will find.

– Ali

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