The peacock mantis shrimp in English is called Odontodactylus scyllarus and is recognized by ocean researchers as the creature with the fastest and strongest punch on the planet. Possesses acceleration equivalent to the velocity of a bullet fired from a sporting gun.
The mantis shrimp is a crustacean that lives in shallow, tropical and subtropical waters. This species of shrimp is from 5 to 30 cm in size, has an elongated body and strong claws.
Shrimp’s claws are used as a weapon to capture prey, defend themselves or communicate with others. Mantis shrimp can punch at speeds of up to 23 meters per second, equivalent to the speed of a 22mm bullet. The force of the punch is sometimes up to 1,500 times their body weight.
This species of shrimp is also famous for its colorful colors.
The “punching” ability helps the mantis shrimp easily take down its prey, including larger animals such as crabs, fish or even small vertebrates. Additionally, this punch can also be used to defend yourself from enemies.
Mantis shrimp punches quickly and continuously.
Some species also have the ability to glow on their own. This light is produced by special cells in the mantis shrimp’s skin, which is used to communicate, attract mates or ward off predators.
The structure of shrimp claws is like a spring.
The “iron punch” of mantis shrimp has made them one of the fastest and most powerful attacking animals on the planet. Scientists are still researching the mechanism that helps mantis shrimp gain this ability.