Mantis Shrimp: The Punch Faster Than a Bullet

Mantis shrimp are colorful marine crustaceans (relatives of crabs and lobsters) that live in warm, shallow ocean waters. Despite their name, they are not true shrimp. They are aggressive predators known for having some of the most advanced weapons and eyes in the animal kingdom. Most species grow to be about 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters) long and spend their time hiding in burrows among coral reefs or sand.

The Fastest Punch in the Ocean

Mantis shrimp are divided into two groups based on their front claws: “spearers” and “smashers.” Spearers have spiny appendages used to snag soft fish. Smashers, like the famous peacock mantis shrimp, possess club-like arms designed to break open hard shells of crabs, clams, and snails.

A smasher’s punch is one of the fastest movements in nature. The arm springs forward at speeds of 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour, accelerating faster than a bullet leaving a gun. This strike is so powerful that it creates a shockwave in the water. The movement produces tiny bubbles that collapse instantly, releasing heat and a flash of light. This force is strong enough to crack aquarium glass, which is why these animals are rarely kept in standard glass tanks.

Incredible Eyes

Mantis shrimp have the most complex eyes of any animal. Their eyes sit on stalks that can move independently, allowing them to look in two different directions at once. While humans have three types of color-detecting cells (cones) to see red, green, and blue, mantis shrimp have between 12 and 16 types.

This distinct vision allows them to see colors humans cannot imagine, including deep ultraviolet light. They can also detect polarized light, which consists of light waves vibrating in specific directions. This ability helps them spot transparent prey or communicate with other mantis shrimp using secret signals on their bodies that other predators cannot see.