Mantis Shrimp: Why They're the Best
The ocean is filled with outlandish plants and animals that are hard to believe exist in real life, from glowing, bioluminescent plankton to whales larger than a school bus. Dwelling in the shallow waters of the tropics, the gladiating and all-seeing mantis shrimp is arguably one of mother nature’s most remarkable creations. Here are three reasons why:
1. Their Scary Punches
Mantis shrimp are a brand of crustaceans that resemble lobsters and can snag prey with a pair of powerful forearms resemblant of a praying mantis (hence the name). However, don’t be fooled by their small size, the raptorial appendages (segmented arms or legs that allow for a grasping motion) of some species of mantis shrimp can pack a powerful punch that would be the envy of pro boxers. According to a study conducted by the University of Bristol, their mantis arms can accelerate to match the speed of a .22 caliber rifle. The punches of these feisty shrimps are infamous for their ability to shatter aquariums and damage appendages of curious divers so much that amputation is required (according to an unfortunate account covered by ABC news). If their sheer speed wasn’t impressive enough, the punch of a mantis shrimp is so fast that it forms cavitation bubbles under water that collapse, releasing bursts of light. National Geographic reveals that the shrimp’s arms move so quickly that the water pressure drops, causing the water to start boiling and releasing the bubbles.
2. Their Eyes
However, a powerful punch is worth nothing if the mantis shrimp can’t accurately aim for prey. Good thing they have all-powerful, chameleon-esque eyes that can triangulate the location of unsuspecting prey swimming by. There are a large variety of amazing and distinct features hidden within the eyes of the mantis shrimp, but one feature unique to them is their ability to detect a special type of circular polarized light. It’s a bit difficult to put into perspective, since humans can’t even see polarized light, let alone circular polarized light, but NPR Shots, via University of California, Berkeley biologist Roy Caldwell, describes it to be polarized light that moves through space in a helix motion. In addition to be able to see this special type light, mantis shrimp can also communicate with one another using circular polarized light. Parts of the mantis shrimp’s body can reflect this type of light, sending messages to other mantis shrimps that no other species can discern.
Image Credit: Michael Bok
3. Technological Potential
While the strength of the raptorial appendages of the mantis shrimp has inspired research for protective equipment and other technologies, the most groundbreaking development inspired by these fierce creatures is related to their eyes, which may hold the answer to more efficient cancer treatment. According to a team of researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign led by Viktor Gruev (via NPR), cancer cells have the tendency to reflect polarized light differently than healthy cells. If scientists can replicate the mantis shrimp’s ability to see polarized light, it would allow for increased surgical accuracy when removing cancer from patients. With promising benefits in mind, Gruev’s team is developing a camera that imitates mantis shrimp eyes, which will have the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives.
1. Their Scary Punches
Mantis shrimp are a brand of crustaceans that resemble lobsters and can snag prey with a pair of powerful forearms resemblant of a praying mantis (hence the name). However, don’t be fooled by their small size, the raptorial appendages (segmented arms or legs that allow for a grasping motion) of some species of mantis shrimp can pack a powerful punch that would be the envy of pro boxers. According to a study conducted by the University of Bristol, their mantis arms can accelerate to match the speed of a .22 caliber rifle. The punches of these feisty shrimps are infamous for their ability to shatter aquariums and damage appendages of curious divers so much that amputation is required (according to an unfortunate account covered by ABC news). If their sheer speed wasn’t impressive enough, the punch of a mantis shrimp is so fast that it forms cavitation bubbles under water that collapse, releasing bursts of light. National Geographic reveals that the shrimp’s arms move so quickly that the water pressure drops, causing the water to start boiling and releasing the bubbles.
2. Their Eyes
However, a powerful punch is worth nothing if the mantis shrimp can’t accurately aim for prey. Good thing they have all-powerful, chameleon-esque eyes that can triangulate the location of unsuspecting prey swimming by. There are a large variety of amazing and distinct features hidden within the eyes of the mantis shrimp, but one feature unique to them is their ability to detect a special type of circular polarized light. It’s a bit difficult to put into perspective, since humans can’t even see polarized light, let alone circular polarized light, but NPR Shots, via University of California, Berkeley biologist Roy Caldwell, describes it to be polarized light that moves through space in a helix motion. In addition to be able to see this special type light, mantis shrimp can also communicate with one another using circular polarized light. Parts of the mantis shrimp’s body can reflect this type of light, sending messages to other mantis shrimps that no other species can discern.
Image Credit: Michael Bok
3. Technological Potential
While the strength of the raptorial appendages of the mantis shrimp has inspired research for protective equipment and other technologies, the most groundbreaking development inspired by these fierce creatures is related to their eyes, which may hold the answer to more efficient cancer treatment. According to a team of researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign led by Viktor Gruev (via NPR), cancer cells have the tendency to reflect polarized light differently than healthy cells. If scientists can replicate the mantis shrimp’s ability to see polarized light, it would allow for increased surgical accuracy when removing cancer from patients. With promising benefits in mind, Gruev’s team is developing a camera that imitates mantis shrimp eyes, which will have the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives.
Felicia
Staff Writer, Our Science.
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