AN EXTREMELY rare marine creature for The Solent has been spotted just off the Isle of Wight.

For only the second time, a mantis shrimp -- incredibly hard to find in UK waters -- has been seen in the Isle of Wight area.

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It is a discovery which highlights the diverse marine life of the region.

The mantis shrimp (Rissoides desmaresti), known for its unique vision and hunting abilities, was found near Bouldnor by Jean Saunders.

She said: "While walking along a shingle bank at Bouldnor during low tide, I noticed movement, at around 4.45pm on that day.

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"On closer inspection, I found a mud-covered creature, about four inches long, tangled in seagrass and hard to identify.

"My brother and I carefully moved it into a shallow pool and, once the mud was washed off, we got a clearer view of it -- but still couldn't place it.

"Back home, I searched online and thought it looked like a mantis shrimp, though I found that unlikely, so I decided to contact the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust."

(Image: Jean Saunders) The trust confirmed Jean's discovery -- describing it as one of the most detailed records of this species in UK waters.

Sightings of mantis shrimp in the UK are rare, with only a few isolated sightings along the south and west coasts of the British Isles.

Dr Tim Ferrero, a senior specialist in marine conservation at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: "It's the best record of a live mantis shrimp in UK waters I've ever seen."

Rising ocean temperatures could lead to more sightings in the UK, as mantis shrimp expand their range beyond their traditional tropical and subtropical habitats.

Despite their name, mantis shrimp are not true shrimp, but a type of stomatopod -- a relative of crabs and lobsters.

The mantis shrimp discovered in The Solent is a 'spearer' -- a variety equipped with sharp, spiny claws, designed to grasp and impale their prey.

They possess the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom, with each one comprising up to 16 different types of photo-receptors.

Tim added: "What's even better, is this record showing the mantis shrimp within seagrass, a habitat vitally important for marine life, including these remarkable crustaceans.

"The trust works tirelessly to restore, protect and monitor this precious marine habitat, so species like the mantis shrimp have a habitat to thrive in."