Rockfish Meal Revealed

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Central
Location: Mid/Lower Bay

While fishing off Calvert Cliffs last month, we caught a 33'' Rockfish. Once aboard, the fish regurgitated this shrimp-like species. I have fished this area for years, and have never seen anything quite like it, could you take a look and tell me what it may be? Any help would be great.

DNR's Reply - Hello Greg, thank you for sending in your report. The species you found in the stomach is a mantis shrimp, it�s a type of crustacean which lives in the mid to lower portion of the bay as well as marine environments, the animal usually burrows itself in the bottom and feeds at night. The mantis is known as a fierce hunter and can cut through fish and human hands if not handled properly. Here�s a quick link within DNR's web site describing mantis shrimp:dnr.maryland.gov/mydnr/CreatureFeature/mantisshrimp.asp