-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Crustaceans (Subphylum Crustacea)

-Typical Crustaceans (Superclass Multicrustacea)

-Malacostracans (Class Malacostraca)

-Mantis Shrimps (Subclass Hoplocarida)

-Mantis Shrimps (Order Stomatopoda)

-Suborder Unipeltata

-Superfamily Gonodactyloidea

The Gonodactyloidea is a superfamily of mantis shrimps within the order Stomatopoda. Members of this group are marine crustaceans known for their powerful raptorial forelimbs used to capture prey. Species in this superfamily are commonly called smashing mantis shrimps because they possess heavily reinforced, club-like appendages capable of delivering extremely rapid and forceful strikes. Species in this superfamily inhabit tropical and subtropical marine environments, especially coral reefs and rocky coastal areas. They usually live in burrows within rock cavities, coral rubble, or sand, where they remain partially hidden while ambushing prey.