Mantis shrimp are fascinating creatures that captivate both scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Despite their name, they are not actually shrimp, but rather stomatopods, a type of carnivorous marine crustacean. These vibrant animals with their big buggy eyes and paddle-like flaps on their heads resemble cartoon characters, adding to their charm. However, their appearance is deceiving, as they possess a deadly defense mechanism that includes the fastest punch in the animal kingdom. With their remarkable abilities and interesting behaviors, it’s no wonder that mantis shrimp have inspired humans in various fields, from the food industry to military technology. In this article, you will discover twelve intriguing facts about mantis shrimp that will leave you in awe of these incredible creatures.
Facts about mantis shrimp
Mantis shrimp are fascinating creatures that have captured the attention of scientists and enthusiasts alike. From their unique appearance to their extraordinary abilities, there is so much to learn and appreciate about these marine animals. In this article, we will explore twelve interesting facts about mantis shrimp, shedding light on their true nature and the impact they have had on various industries.
1. Mantis shrimp aren’t shrimp
Despite their name, mantis shrimp are not actually shrimp. They belong to the stomatopod family, which consists of carnivorous marine crustaceans. These remarkable creatures are distant relatives of crabs and lobsters. The misnomer can be attributed to their small size, which is comparable to that of shrimp. However, their unique characteristics and behaviors set them apart from true shrimp.
2. Mantis shrimp look like cartoon characters
One cannot help but be captivated by the appearance of mantis shrimp. They possess large, bulging eyes on stalks that protrude from their heads, giving them a distinct cartoonish appearance. Additionally, they have paddle-like flaps on the sides of their heads, which resemble ears. To add to their unique charm, mantis shrimp are adorned with spines on their tails and come in a variety of dazzling colors. Their multi-colored exoskeletons range from pink, orange, and green to electric blue, making them a sight to behold.
3. Mantis shrimp have a record-breaking punch
One of the most impressive attributes of mantis shrimp is their unparalleled punching ability. These creatures hold the record for the fastest punch in the animal kingdom. With limb movements reaching speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour, they strike with astonishing force. In fact, their punch delivers around 160 pounds of force, which is sufficient to shatter glass and penetrate the thick shells of their prey. Such a powerful strike also generates heat, causing the water surrounding the mantis shrimp to temporarily reach temperatures equivalent to the surface of the Sun.
4. Mantis shrimp have inspired the food industry
The cavitation process, which occurs during the mantis shrimp’s punch, has inspired various applications in the food industry. Cavitation bubbles are generated when the lowered pressure in the water surrounding the mantis shrimp creates a bubble that collapses and heats up, stunning their prey. This phenomenon has been harnessed by the food industry for egg pasteurization, protein condensation in low-fat whey drinks, and even beer brewing. By mimicking the cavitation process, scientists have been able to develop innovative technologies for these purposes.
5. Mantis shrimp are helping build better body armor
The incredible strength and resilience of mantis shrimp have caught the attention of scientists, particularly in the field of materials development. Underneath their exoskeleton, mantis shrimp possess layers of elastic polysaccharide chitin, which act as shock absorbers to protect them from the impact of their powerful strikes. Researchers have studied this natural protection to develop new materials for military body armor and aircraft panels. By emulating the structure and properties of mantis shrimp exoskeletons, scientists aim to create stronger and more effective protective gear.
6. Some species of mantis shrimp are monogamous
While known for their aggressive hunting tactics, mantis shrimp also display a more nurturing side. Certain species of mantis shrimp are known to be monogamous, meaning they remain with only one partner throughout their lives. These devoted pairs live together in the same burrow and assist each other in caring for their eggs. This form of social monogamy offers practical benefits, allowing the mantis shrimp to live outside reefs where they can be safer from predators without the need to constantly search for a new mate.
7. Mantis shrimp’s name is linked to the praying mantis
Mantis shrimp derive their name from their hunting technique, which is similar to that of the praying mantis. Both creatures use their specialized forelimbs as weapons to capture and subdue prey. However, the mantis shrimp’s forelimbs, known as appendages, differ in appearance and function from those of the praying mantis. The mantis shrimp’s appendages emerge from the sides of their mouths, and they deliver powerful strikes with incredible speed and force, surpassing even the notorious power of the praying mantis.
8. Mantis shrimp see a wide range of colors
The vision of mantis shrimp is truly remarkable. Their eyes possess a complexity that allows them to perceive a wide range of colors, including light wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectrum. Compared to humans, who possess only three types of light-sensitive cells for perceiving blue, red, and green, mantis shrimp have an astonishing 12 light-sensitive receptors. This visual acuity, combined with their ability to see colors that are invisible to most other animals, makes mantis shrimp highly efficient predators. Furthermore, their eyes can move independently, enabling them to quickly assess their surroundings and react accordingly.
9. Mantis shrimp require special glass enclosures
As captivating as mantis shrimp may be, they are not the most suitable pets for aquarium enthusiasts. Their incredibly powerful punches make them a risk to traditional aquarium glass, which can easily crack or shatter upon impact. To safely keep mantis shrimp as pets, specialized shatterproof acrylic glass enclosures are required. Additionally, it is crucial to house mantis shrimp alone, as they may attack other fish or animals in their habitat.
10. Mantis shrimp have different hunting techniques
With hundreds of species worldwide, mantis shrimp exhibit a diverse array of hunting techniques. They can generally be categorized into two groups: smashers and spearers. Smasher mantis shrimp possess club-like claws that they use to deliver powerful blows, acting like hammers to break the shells of their prey. On the other hand, spearer mantis shrimp have sharp, barbed claws that they use to stab and slice their prey. These distinct hunting methods have evolved to suit their respective environments and prey.
11. Mantis shrimp are consumed in certain cultures
Interestingly, mantis shrimp also have culinary value in certain parts of the world. Countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, China, and Hawaii include mantis shrimp in their regional cuisines. The taste of mantis shrimp flesh is often likened to that of lobsters rather than shrimp. In these cuisines, mantis shrimp is frequently prepared by deep-frying it with garlic and chili, resulting in a flavorful and crispy dish. While mantis shrimp are powerful predators in their natural habitat, they become a delectable treat when served on the plates of those who appreciate their unique qualities.
12. Mantis shrimp have a long evolutionary history
Stomatopods, the family to which mantis shrimp belong, have existed for approximately 400 million years. This impressive timeline predates even the appearance of dinosaurs by around 170 million years. The longevity of mantis shrimp can be attributed to their remarkable biology and adaptations, which have allowed them to thrive in marine environments for countless centuries. Scientists have bestowed upon these enigmatic creatures the nickname “shrimp from Mars” due to their otherworldly characteristics and evolutionary uniqueness.
In conclusion, mantis shrimp are truly extraordinary creatures that continue to captivate and inspire humans. Their cartoonish appearance, record-breaking punching ability, and unique biology have garnered attention in various fields, from materials science to the culinary arts. Whether it is their romantic relationships, visual acuity, or their ancient lineage, there is no denying that mantis shrimp are fascinating beings that deserve our admiration and further study.