A closer look
Mantis shrimp possess spring-loaded claws that punch with the speed of a .22 caliber bullet, striking their prey so fast that the surrounding water literally boils from the friction. The force of this underwater haymaker produces a cavitation bubble that collapses with a flash of light and a shockwave, effectively double-tapping whatever unfortunate crab happens to be standing in the way. Biologists are fascinated by the complex structure of their clubs, which can shatter aquarium glass and crush thick shells without taking any damage themselves. It is incredibly unfair that humanity evolved with squishy, fragile knuckles that break when punching a wall out of sheer frustration, while a tiny technicolor crustacean walks around with military-grade explosive boxing gloves built directly into its ridiculous little arms
