Mantis Shrimp

Squilla Mantis (Linnaeus)

Appears in

Mediterranean Seafood

By Alan Davidson

Published 1981

About

Family Squillidae

REMARKS Up to 20 cm in length. Brown-grey in colour.

This strange creature is singled out by several characteristics, of which the most striking is that his front ‘legs’ are extensions of his mouth. He is the marine counterpart of the insect known as the praying mantis.

CUISINE At their best (when the ovaries are full and the flesh firm) these creatures are quite good, and may be treated like the cigale. They may also be used in fish soups, for some versions of which Italians regard them as essential. Cavanna suggests steaming them. (Put the bodies, shorn of all projecting parts like antennae and claws, in a casserole with herbs; cover the casserole with a folded cloth soaked in salt water; jam the lid on; and cook thus for a few minutes only.)

Become a Premium Member to access this page

Already a member?

Monthly plan

Annual plan

'Brilliant app for foodies'

'Spotify of cookbooks'

Part of

Crabs and the Mantis Shrimp

The licensor does not allow printing of this title