Mantis shrimp is a deceptively capable predator
The mantis shrimp is one of the largest in the shrimp family, with some species growing to as long as 38cm (15 inches). They are beautiful and surprisingly capable in their ability to defend themselves. Unlike other shrimps, their forelimbs are appendages that pack a serious punch. Divided into two categories: slashers and smashers, their forelimbs may have calcified clubs or barbed spears. They strike with blinding speed, causing cavitation of the water around their strike, often stunning their prey, even if they miss. In this way, each strike delivers two blows. The mantis shrimp are nicknamed "thumb splitters" by scuba divers due to their ability to slice a hand or cause a painful bruise.
They are thought to have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom and have the most complex visual system ever discovered. Compared with the three types of photoreceptor cell that humans possess in their eyes, the eyes of a mantis shrimp have between 12 and 16 types of photoreceptor cells. Some of these shrimp can tune the sensitivity of their colour vision to adapt to their environment. Their eye construction allows them to see colour in wider ranges, detect polarized light, and perceive depth with greater detail. These abilities help with mating, communication, prey detection, and in combat with other shrimp.
The mantis shrimp is a beautiful sight for scuba divers who appreciate their colour as well as their fascinating characteristics.
-
1:56
WildCreatures
1 month ago $2.01 earnedHumpback whale allows swimmers to meet her new baby up close
2.84K1 -
LIVE
The Big Mig™
21 hours agoRage Against The War Machine Live in Washington DC
975 watching -
1:41:25
Tactical Advisor
4 hours agoInaugural Show | Vault Room Podcast
23.5K3 -
2:00:13
I_Came_With_Fire_Podcast
13 hours ago"The Truth About China’s Hidden Influence: From Information Warfare to Military Power"
19.2K14 -
16:00
Josh Pate's College Football Show
2 days ago $0.09 earnedUGA vs Alabama - Josh Pate's Preview & Prediction
38.8K4 -
3:58:31
Vigilant News Network
17 hours agoJoe Rogan Issues Dire Warning to America | The Daily Dose
74.1K57 -
2:11:33
Game On!
16 hours agoCollege Football Week 5 Preview! Why Vols Fans are SCARED of BAMA!
40K2 -
3:44
LimitlessAmbition
7 hours agoDevelop Strong Leadership Skills with Ancient Stoic Wisdom
38.6K3 -
49:52
The Lou Holtz Show
23 hours agoThe Lou Holtz Show with Coach Bruce Pearl Promo #viralvideo #auburn
34.3K1 -
10:05
ThinkStory
22 hours agoAPARTMENT 7A Ending Explained & Connections to Rosemary's Baby!
31.6K5