A marine critter less than 2 inches in length is among the ocean’s loudest organisms, and research indicates that its volume may increase as the oceans warm.
The “snapping shrimp,” also called the pistol shrimp, is distinguished by its enormous claw, roughly twice its body size.
According to research conducted at Stanford University, when a shrimp implodes, its claw creates a bubble louder than a bullet. The “snap” incapacitates the prey, giving the predator time to strike and feast.
Without a doubt, these tiny creatures are remarkable marine predators, and I thought I’d write a quick post about their remarkable (and slightly unsettling) adaptations.
Over 1100 species of snapping shrimp are known to inhabit the oceans of the planet. Despite their small size (just around 2 inches long), these shrimps are among the ocean’s loudest species, right up there with sperm whales and belugas. When in huge groups or swarms, they can produce enough noise to disrupt sonar and undersea communication. What is their secret? The answer resides in a uniquely modified claw.
They possess asymmetrical claws, with the larger one responsible for the enormous noise. Instead of possessing a pincer-like feature at the end of its claw, the snapping shrimp’s claw is shaped more like a gun; a joint allows the “hammer” section of the claw to move back into a right-angled position. When released, the smaller portion of the shrimp’s claw snaps into the bigger portion, producing the sound that lends the shrimp its title. The impact also generates a powerful bubble jet that can kill small fish, paralyze larger animals, and even shatter glass.
The “bubble-shot” is undoubtedly potent, but scientists have discovered that there is more going on during the moment of the shrimp’s snap than previously believed. The cavitation bubble generated by the snap produces an acoustic pressure of up to 80 kPa (kilopascals) and travels at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour, producing a 218-decibel sound!
How loud is it exactly?
- The volume of a whisper is around 30 dB.
- Normal conversation rates at 60 dB.
- Lawnmowers and hair dryers generate approximately 90 dB of noise.
- Most concerts do not surpass 110 decibels (don’t forget your earplugs!).
- During a Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, the loudest stadium ever measured was 142.2 dB.
- And takeoffs of fighter planes, fireworks, gunfire, and rescue sirens rarely exceed 150 dB.
- However, the popping sound of pistol shrimp bubbles is 218 dB!
The collapsing cavitation wave can also generate sonoluminescence; its temperature reaches approximately 5,000 K (4,700 °C) as it collapses! In comparison, the sun’s surface temperature is approximately 5,800 K (5,500 °C)! The created light has a low intensity and is not visible to the human eye; it is most likely a by product of the blast wave (similar effects have been seen in the mantis shrimp, another cool little crustacean you should check out).
On occasion, pistol shrimp and goby fishes form symbiotic connections and live together as literal housemates. The shrimp excavates and maintains a shared burrow with the goby. The fish has enhanced vision and is better equipped to detect danger. The shrimp maintains contact with the goby with its antennae; if danger is detected, the goby informs the shrimp with a characteristic tail motion and returns to their shared habitat. The snapping shrimp is among the coolest and most underappreciated marine organisms with all these remarkable adaptations.
Key Points
- It is reported that the Pistol Shrimp can shoot a “shot” of heat that is as hot as the sun’s surface!
- The Pistol Shrimp has louder claw shots than a pistol.
- The loudness produced by the pistol shrimp’s claw alone is sufficient to render neighboring creatures unconscious.