I don’t think I’ve posted this yet! An old piece from grad school. Pistol shrimp, or snapping shrimp, have a disproportionately…

sheillustrates:

I don’t think I’ve posted this yet! An old piece from grad school.

Pistol shrimp, or snapping shrimp, have a disproportionately large claw from where it derives its name. As a defense mechanism and for hunting, when the claw closes with a quick snap, it emits a bubble. This bubble, upon bursting, causes an extremely powerful sound wave (sonic boom!) which can kill small fish and stun larger ones.