Pistol shrimps, also known as snapping shrimps, are crustacean in the family of Alpheidae. Their two front claws are different sizes, with one being notably larger than the other. This large claw holds the pistol shrimp’s superpower. When a pistol shrimp senses prey is nearby, it will open the top part of its big claw, allowing some water to enter a small chamber in the crook of the claw. Then, when it clamps down, the pressure from a small plunger on the top claw forces the water out of the chamber. This happens so fast that it creates bubbles. And not just any bubbles: these bubbles can speed out at 60 miles per hour, fast enough to stun or kill the prey! When the bubbles collapse, it makes a “snap” sound that gives these shrimp their name. The snap can reach up to 210 decibels, which is even louder then a usual gunshot with around 150 decibels. Furthermore, the collapse of the bubble generates, for a split second, temperatures of 4400 degree Celsius and even a flash of light. This created heat is as hot as the surface of the sun.
