Biology
The Biomechanics of High-Speed Predation in Mantis Shrimp
Quick fact
The peacock mantis shrimp's strike is so fast that it boils the water around it, creating a flash of light (sonoluminescence) and a shockwave that can stun or even kill prey without direct contact.
Why this is interesting
Imagine being able to punch faster than a bullet train accelerates—mantis shrimp do exactly that underwater. But how can a small crustacean generate such explosive force?