They may be colorful and small, but mantis shrimp are not to be trifled with. These carnivorous crustaceans pack a powerful punch that can smash mollusk shells at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and even break glass. Yet the shrimp’s bodies remain intact despite the blowback from their hits.
Now, a team of scientists have uncovered the secret to their impressive physical resilience. Their fists are covered in layered patterns that can selectively filter out sound. Blocking out specific vibrations ultimately creates a pattern which acts like a shield against the shockwaves generated by their powerful punches. The findings are detailed in a study published February 7 in the journal Science.
Sending shockwaves
There are over 400 known species of mantis shrimp. These creatures with spectacular vision are found in shallow, tropical waters around the world, where they feed on various crabs and snails. Most species are about four to seven inches long, while some can reach up to 15 inches.
Mantis shrimp are armed with a one hammer-like dactyl club on each side of its body, which act like a pair of fists and can punch with the force of a .22 caliber bullet. The dactyl clubs store energy in elastic, spring-like structures held in place by latch-like tendons. When the tendons are released, the stored energy is let go with it, propelling the club forward.
With one blow, the mantis shrimp can defend their territory or kill its prey. When the punch rips through the water, it creates a low-pressure zone behind it and a series of bubbles.
“When the mantis shrimp strikes, the impact generates pressure waves onto its target,” study co-author and Northwestern University engineer Hoacio D. Espinosa said in a statement. “It also creates bubbles, which rapidly collapse to produce shockwaves…
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