Why is the mantis shrimp so fast

Mantis shrimp are armed with the most sophisticated eyes on Earth. The eyes, which work independently, are on mobile stalks and have three focal points each. They target prey very efficiently.

But Superman vision is not the only thing mantis shrimp possess. Their front claws are also designed to make them effective killing machines. Spearers use their barbed claws to slice and snag the flesh of softer animals, such as fish.

That power is pretty impressive, especially for such a little guy most are in the 6-inch range, but they can measure between 4 and 15 inches. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big.

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The mantis shrimp gets the power for its punches from elastic energy storage —that is, it stores energy in its muscles as they are compressed when cocking its dactyl club back into the locked position.

A four bar mechanism within the club and body of the shrimp is used to hold the club back in place until it is ready to punch and a latch is released, transferring the stored energy into rapid motion of the club.

The two layers of the shell on the club allow it to withstand large stresses in both tension and compression, which is uncommon of most shells since they are ceramic materials, which are very brittle.

Crabs, clams and other hard-bodied sea-life — be very afraid. Your shells can't save you now. Despite its common name, the mantis shrimp is not actually a shrimp but a stomatopod, distantly related to lobsters and crabs. And, admittedly, shrimps. Stomatopods are some of the most ancient animals on Earth, their evolution pre-dating the dawn of the dinosaurs by around million years. At first sight, the peacock mantis shrimp might not appear intimidating.

Quite the reverse, in fact. Its shell is a stunning kaleidoscope of green, orange, blue and red hence its common names, which also include "harlequin mantis shrimp" and "painted mantis shrimp" , while leopard-like spots adorn its legs.