The mantis shrimp, a marine crustacean, is known for its incredibly powerful strike, inspiring curiosity about its potential impact on humans. These vibrant creatures, sometimes called “thumb-splitters” by fishermen, are found in tropical and subtropical waters, where they are known for their unique hunting abilities. While not true shrimp, their aggressive nature makes them a subject of fascination.
The Mantis Shrimp’s Striking Power
The mantis shrimp delivers its “punch” with remarkable biomechanical efficiency and speed, making it one of the fastest movements in the animal kingdom. There are two primary types of mantis shrimp based on their raptorial appendages: “spearers” and “smashers.” Spearers use barbed claws to impale softer prey, while smashers have club-like appendages designed to shatter hard-shelled organisms.
Smasher mantis shrimp store energy in their muscles and release it rapidly, launching their club-like dactyl at speeds up to 23 meters per second (approximately 50 miles per hour). This strike generates immense force, comparable to the impact of a .22 caliber bullet. The speed creates cavitation bubbles in the water, which are pockets of low pressure that vaporize the water. When these bubbles collapse, they produce a secondary shockwave that releases additional energy, heat, and light, delivering a “one-two punch” to their prey.
Impact on a Human
Despite the mantis shrimp’s impressive strike, a “punch” to a human results in painful, but not life-threatening, injuries. A strike to bare skin can cause sharp pain, bruising, cuts, and swelling.
While uncomfortable, serious bone fractures are uncommon for a healthy adult, though a small chip in the bone is possible. The primary danger is the potential for infection in the wound, as mantis shrimp can transmit bacteria. If a strike occurs, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wound are important, and medical attention should be sought if signs of infection appear. A strike through a wetsuit or glove would lessen the direct impact, but the force could still be felt.
While their punch is powerful enough to break aquarium glass and shatter the shells of their prey, it is unlikely to cause devastating harm to a human body. Vulnerable areas, such as an eye, or individuals with delicate skin, like small children, could experience more significant damage. However, portrayals of mantis shrimp causing extreme injury to humans are not accurate.
Safe Encounters with Mantis Shrimp
Mantis shrimp are solitary creatures that inhabit burrows and crevices. They spend most of their time in these shelters, only emerging to hunt or find a mate. Their territorial nature means they will strike if they feel threatened or cornered.
To ensure safe encounters, observe mantis shrimp from a distance. Avoiding any provocation, such as attempting to touch or handle them, is important. These crustaceans only strike in defense, so respecting their space and leaving them undisturbed minimizes the risk of a “punch.”