#odontodactylus scyllarus
Peacock Mantis Shrimp |Odontodactylus scyllarus
“The peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) uses two appendages called dactyl clubs to pummel its prey like aquatic Rock ‘Em Sock 'Em Robots—that is, if kids’ toys could punch fast enough to boil water and split fingers to the bone. These wrecking ball “fists” spring forth from their bodies at 50 mph, accelerating quicker than a .22-caliber bullet. At those speeds, the water surrounding them briefly reaches the temperature of the Sun’s surface. When the dactyl clubs hit their target, they deliver 160 pounds of force, smashing through shells like a lightning-fast crab mallet.” (Source)
Peacock Mantis Shrimp|Odontodactylus scyllarus
“Did you know that, because the mantis shrimp’s club can withstand incredible force, researchers believe that understanding its structure can help design body armor, protective sports gear and aerospace equipment?
Peacock mantis shrimp really pack a punch. A blow from one of their club-like appendages is quick—50 times faster than the blink of an eye—and deadly to prey.” (Source)
Peacock mantis shrimp. (Odontodactylus scyllarus)
Oh my gosh. Where do I even begin with such a fantastical animal? It’s just so amazing (Brace yourselves people, Coral’s about to get VERY excited).
The Peacock mantis shrimp is one of the larger, more colourful mantis shrimps commonly seen in the Indian and Pacific oceans, ranging in size from 3 to 18 centimetres. They are primarily green in colour, with orange legs and leopard-like spots on the anterior carapace.
Okay. So. On to the cool stuff. We (humans) have three colour receptive cones in our eyes; green, blue and red. These allow us to see all the colours derived from those three colours. Pretty impressive, no?
NO.
The mantis shrimp has SIXTEEN colour receptive cones. SIXTEEN. You think our rainbows are impressive derived from our measly three colours? Think how amazing everything the mantis shrimp sees is. GAH.
Second up, it has two raptorial appendages on the front of its body. These can accelerate with the same velocity as a gunshot from a 22 caliber rifle, and in less than 0.003 of a second can strike whatever was foolish enough to get in it’s way with 1500 Newtons of force.
I know.
Their limbs move so quickly that the water around them literally boils. The underwater shockwave it produces will kill the target even if it misses.WHAAAAT.
Do excuse my excitement in this post but it cannot be contained.
TELL ME SHRIMPS AREN’T COOL ONE MORE TIME.
ONE MORE TIME.
I DARE YOU.
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Image: Perry Aragon
Also known as; harlequin mantis shrimp, painted mantis shrimp, or clown mantis shrimp
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