The pistol shrimp competes with much larger animals like the Sperm Whale
and Beluga Whale for the title of ‘loudest animal in the sea’. It is
distinctive for its disproportionately large claw, (larger than half the
shrimp’s body) which does not have pincers at the end. A joint allows
the “hammer” part to move backward into a cocking position like a gun.
When released, it snaps into the other part of the claw, creating a
cavitation bubble capable of stunning fish and breaking small glass
jars.
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