The mantis shrimp is one of the species that can help scientists create clean energy with just a single shot in a matter of seconds.
Surprising Facts About Mantis Shrimp
Mantis shrimp bubbles are louder than a gunshot and hotter than lava
These sharp-shooting crustaceans are anything but quiet – their bubbles reach 218 decibels, louder than a bullet in flight. For humans, this sound isn’t perceived as overwhelmingly loud, but that’s due to the explosion lasting only a fraction of a second.
When the bubble bursts, it generates heat of up to 4,427 degrees Celsius, four times hotter than lava. The heat dissipates quickly, so it doesn’t have a lasting effect on larger animals.
Bullseye mantis shrimp are bright yellow or orange with purple claws and a distinctive blue dot on each side of their body.
Jamming U.S. enemy detection waves
Mantis shrimp disrupted the U.S. Navy’s defense plans during World War II.
Specifically, the sounds produced by this species began to interfere with the sonar waves used to detect enemy ships, prompting sailors to bring researchers from the War Research Department of the University of California.
Fortunately, they were able to classify the source and record the sounds of the mantis shrimp to train sonar operators to recognize the sounds made by these creatures.
However, although they sometimes cause trouble for humans, the sounds made by mantis shrimp are not always problematic.
They can reflect the health of coral reefs, as many hunts indicate a wealth of life and a balanced ecosystem. The noise may also help other marine creatures navigate the area.
Mantis shrimp produce heat greater than that of volcanic lava.
The mantis shrimp’s bubble-shooting mechanism could generate a clean energy source
Mantis shrimp are helping scientists in the UK research a clean and safe energy source that could provide a significant boost in the fight against climate change.
Nuclear fusion requires a high-speed projectile to create shockwaves and collapse a chamber filled with plasma, and mantis shrimp are the only organisms on Earth that naturally possess such power.
A refuge for many small creatures
Many mantis shrimp live in clusters, acting as a form of protection; these areas are also known as refuges for goby fish.
Mantis shrimp typically inhabit coral reefs and seagrass beds. These are regions in temperate and tropical countries, where over 600 species can be found globally.
Mantis shrimp as superhero characters
Inspired by mantis shrimp, a film titled “Project Power” features a character played by Jamie Foxx who wields a pistol capable of transforming raindrops into high-speed water jets that can destroy anything in their path.
Undoubtedly, these gun-headed invertebrates are a standout species in the ocean. Whether they are shooting at foes or allies, they are among the most fascinating creatures in nature.
