Snapping Shrimp

ocean creatures · super sonic · shrimp

Mighty claw power. Snapping shrimp have one oversized claw on their front legs that snaps shut so fast it creates a bubble that collapses with a shock wave. This shock wave is loud enough and strong enough to stun or kill small fish nearby.

Louder than jets. The snap of a snapping shrimp's claw can reach 210 decibels underwater, making it one of the loudest sounds in the ocean. Only sperm whales and some deep-sea creatures make louder noises.

Social hunters. Many snapping shrimp live together in groups and use their snapping claws to communicate with each other and to hunt for food on the ocean floor.

Partner with fish. Some snapping shrimp team up with certain fish in a partnership where they dig and maintain a burrow together, sharing the space for safety and hunting.

Not all snappers. About half of all shrimp in the Alpheidae family actually don't have the giant snapping claw at all and live quiet lives on the ocean floor instead.