Peakock Mantis Shrimp: A stomatopods guide to survival
Peacock mantis shrimp, or commonly referred to as stomatopods have a origin that traces back over 400 million years ago. Primarily found in the coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific ocean, these beautifully colored stomatopods serve as a important role in the ecosystem. They are sensitive to pollutants which help to indicate water quality, and also keep populations of their prey species down by hunting.
Their categorization puts them in line with other animals such as the lobster and crab with no relation to actual shrimp at all. As many other crustaceans are unseen, the mantis shrimp typically lay dormant until hunting or a threat occurs. When under particular circumstances these creatures show their strange defense mechanisms that have adapted over many of millions of years.
The peacock mantis shrimp has defense mechanisms that allow them to strike their prey at incredible speeds with the force of a .22 caliber bullet (Coral Science). Their name is derived from the preying mantis because of their alike appendages. There are two categories of stomatopods and their lethal weapons. First is the spearer, this means simply that they use a mechanism that resembles a spear to kill their prey. The second is smasher, which means that they use a club like mechanism to kill their prey.
Their categorization puts them in line with other animals such as the lobster and crab with no relation to actual shrimp at all. As many other crustaceans are unseen, the mantis shrimp typically lay dormant until hunting or a threat occurs. When under particular circumstances these creatures show their strange defense mechanisms that have adapted over many of millions of years.
The peacock mantis shrimp has defense mechanisms that allow them to strike their prey at incredible speeds with the force of a .22 caliber bullet (Coral Science). Their name is derived from the preying mantis because of their alike appendages. There are two categories of stomatopods and their lethal weapons. First is the spearer, this means simply that they use a mechanism that resembles a spear to kill their prey. The second is smasher, which means that they use a club like mechanism to kill their prey.
Effects produced by these adaptations can create effects that look like a magic trick. One in particular that is produced by both, but primarily the smasher is known as a cavitational bubble. A cavitational bubble occurs due to the extremely low pressure in the water between the dactyl heel and the prey, such as a crab. The water essentially vaporizes without the need for a heat source. Like a small explosion these bubbles produce light, heat, and sound. This phenomenon shows what dangerous and powerful defense mechanism these stomatopods have acquired in the evolution of their species.
These adaptations that developed over millions of years have created an amazing set of mechanisms that helps the mantis shrimp defend against predators in the ocean. Their ejecting raptorial appendages pack a punch and leave the enemy with a lasing impressions from the potential burn of the cavitational bubble.
These adaptations that developed over millions of years have created an amazing set of mechanisms that helps the mantis shrimp defend against predators in the ocean. Their ejecting raptorial appendages pack a punch and leave the enemy with a lasing impressions from the potential burn of the cavitational bubble.
Stomatopod showing defense mechanisms: