Mantis Shrimp Can Punch Faster Than a Bullet

Don't let the name fool you — the mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) is neither a mantis nor a shrimp. It's one of the ocean's most remarkable and ferocious hunters, packing a punch powerful enough to crack crab shells, stun fish, and even shatter aquarium glass.

What Is a Mantis Shrimp?

Mantis shrimp are crustaceans — relatives of crabs and lobsters — but they belong to their own ancient order (Stomatopoda) that split from other crustaceans over 400 million years ago. There are about 450 species, found in tropical and subtropical ocean waters, mostly in shallow coral reefs and burrows.

How Fast Is Their Punch?

The mantis shrimp's club-like appendages accelerate at 10,000 g-force — reaching speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) in under 3 milliseconds. This is so fast it creates cavitation bubbles in the water, which collapse with a shockwave nearly as damaging as the strike itself. Even if the punch misses, the bubble burst can stun or kill prey. It's the fastest strike of any animal on Earth.

How Do Mantis Shrimp See?

Humans have 3 types of color receptors (red, green, blue). Mantis shrimp have 16 types — they can see ultraviolet, infrared, and forms of polarized light invisible to any other animal. Their eyes move independently and can each focus on the same object separately. Scientists are studying their vision to design better cameras and cancer-detection devices.

How Big Are They?

Most mantis shrimp are 4–12 inches long. The largest species, the Lysiosquillina maculata, can reach up to 15 inches. Despite their small size, they are aggressive and territorial — divers have been cut by mantis shrimp hiding in reef crevices.

Amazing Mantis Shrimp Facts

• Their punch generates water temperatures briefly as hot as the surface of the sun via cavitation.
• They are monogamous — many species mate for life and share burrows.
• Mantis shrimp can recognize individual humans and remember people who have handled them.
• Their club appendages are made of a material scientists are copying to build impact-resistant helmets.
• They come in stunning colors — peacock mantis shrimp are considered some of the most beautiful animals in the ocean.