“Supposedly mantis shrimp has the most powerful punch in the animal kingdom and I just felt it.”
The mantis shrimp is known as “The Thumb Splitter” as its punch has the same acceleration as a 22-caliber bullet, delivering a blow of 15,000 newtons, a force equal to more than 2,500 times the shrimp’s weight. Those figures are measured underwater but its still quite dangerous above the surface as evidenced by this kayak fisherman who took a punch to his neoprene booty and ended up with a puncture wound. This is so freaking gnarly.
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The mantis shrimp, also known as stomatopods, is a fascinating marine crustacean that belongs to the order Stomatopoda. Despite its name, the mantis shrimp is not related to true shrimp. These remarkable creatures are renowned for their extraordinary physical attributes, vibrant colors, and unique hunting abilities.
Mantis shrimp inhabit tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, often dwelling in burrows on the ocean floor. They come in a wide range of colors, ranging from vivid shades of green, blue, and red to more subtle hues, making them a visually striking sight.
One of the most captivating features of the mantis shrimp is its powerful claws, also known as “raptorial appendages.” These claws are highly specialized and come in two types: smashing and spearing. Smashing mantis shrimp possess club-like appendages that can deliver incredibly swift and forceful blows, capable of breaking through shells and aquarium glass. In contrast, spearing mantis shrimp have sharp, spear-like claws that they use to impale and snatch prey with impressive accuracy.
The mantis shrimp’s eyes are another marvel. They have some of the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom, with up to 12 to 16 types of photoreceptor cells (compared to humans’ three types). This exceptional vision allows them to perceive a wide spectrum of light, including ultraviolet and polarized light, aiding in communication, locating prey, and avoiding predators.
Overall, the mantis shrimp is an intriguing and enigmatic creature, showcasing a combination of mesmerizing colors, incredible hunting prowess, and extraordinary visual capabilities, making it a true marvel of the underwater world.
images from wikipedia.org