[3] P. ciliata can be distinguished from other closely related mantis shrimps by several characteristics; the eye is cylindrical with a hemispherical cornea; the rostral plate lacks a small spine at the front; the carapace does not bear large black spots; the telson has three keel-like ridges on either side of a central ridge; and the base of each uropod terminates in two slender flattened spines, the innermost of which is the shorter.

[4] The colour of P. ciliata varies greatly depending on an individual's environment; for example, P. ciliata living in a sea grass flat will often turn green, while one living in coralline algae will often turn red.

[5] P. ciliata has a widespread distribution in shallow seas across the tropical Indo-Pacific region and on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

[2] P. ciliata is sometimes kept in reef aquaria where it is hardy and safe with larger gastropods and crabs.

A sand base to the tank will give it an opportunity to dig the U-shaped burrow in which it likes to spend its day.