Squilla empusa is commonly found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern U.S. coastline. It typically lives in burrows on sandy or muddy bottoms, often in shallow waters.

Behavior:
Like other mantis shrimp, S. empusa is a powerful predator. It uses raptorial appendages (club-like or spear-like claws) to strike at prey—often with the force of a bullet. This can crack shells or stun prey instantly.

Specimen is 6"