Sexual Selection is a mode of natural selection in which members of one biological sex choose mates of the other sex to mate with, and compete with members of the same sex for access to members of the opposite sex.

Mantis Shrimp have complicated dating lives. It turns out, every species of mantis shrimp has individuals that prefer to stay isolated. As a result, the search for a mate is incredibly important for all mantis shrimp species. The limiting sex varies from species to species and even ecosystem to ecosystem. For example, there may be a sperm shortage in a population which drastically changes the mating system of the mantis shrimp. These little creatures are highly dynamic!

As we have talked about before, mantis shrimp are separated into two categories: spearers and smashers. Smashers are active during the day, live in coral reef cavities, and vibrantly colored! Spearers, on the other hand, live in burrows of soft sediments and are very drab in color.

Smasher species are monogamous. Males search for females and engage in competitions with other males to enter the female’s cavity. According to researchers, every species of mantis shrimp exhibit different mating behaviors and rituals (talk about complicated dating!). Gonodactylus bredi smasher females select males based on large size and bright coloration which makes these males susceptible to predators! If males are the limiting sex in a population of these smashers, Female searchers are not choosy with mates. Their search cycle sync up with new moon tides.

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