Unknown sea creature in a hole, mantis shrimp maybe? Kata beach, Phuket, Thailand

[kaerius]

Seen on a night dive around 19:30-45. Depth is around 8 meters (24 feet).

While I suspect mantis shrimp, for all I know it could be something else, indeed it looks like neither of the two mantis shrimp species I've seen in the region.

 

[ReefGuy]

Looks like one to me.

 

[kaerius]

Hmm, the closest match I can find is Silver(Robber Harpiosquillid) Mantis Shrimp (Harpiosquilla harpax), which does exist in the area.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDpVqgppgRI/Tk5_2bXctNI/AAAAAAAAAN4/lx2LG23GfE0/s1600/lipan.jpg

 

[The Chairman]

No "maybe"... that is a mantis shrimp, aka the thumb splitter. They're so cute when they're shy.

 

[guruboy]

Black mantis shrimp perhaps

 

[drbill]

Yep. Don't get your glass port too close!

 

[kaerius]

Yep. Don't get your glass port too close!

I think it's a spear type, so more of a don't get your hands too close, but I was about a meter above it and trying not to scare it away.