By Josie June 9th, 2023
The world's loudest animal doesn't measure more than 1.5 inches in length, and weighs 0.2-0.3 ounces.
©By Chan T. Y. & Lin C. W. – MNHN – Museum national d’Histoire naturelle (2020). The crustaceans collection (IU) of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN – Paris).
This bigger claw is used for hunting and self-defense.
Their most distinctive characteristic is that one claw is significantly larger than the other.
Although pistol shrimps may be small, they are recognized for their aggressive and territorial nature.
© By Corbari L. - MNHN - Museum national d'Histoire naturelle (2020). The crustaceans collection (IU) of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN - Paris).
Pistol shrimps are found in various habitats, including reefs, sandy bottoms, freshwater streams, and rivers.
When the shrimp closes its claw rapidly, it creates a cavitation bubble that collapses and makes a loud popping sound.
Its claw has a powerful muscle that allows it to snap the two parts of the claw together at a speed of 60 mph.
This sound is one of the loudest in the ocean, with some species capable of producing sounds of up to 218 decibels!
The claw also has a second use. It can be used to burrow into the sandy ocean floor, where the shrimp will create a small tunnel for shelter and protection.
Gobies have excellent eyesight and serve as lookout guards, warning the shrimp of any approaching predators.
They often share their burrows with gobies.
This partnership is highly beneficial for both species; this kind of relationship in the animal kingdom is referred to as mutualistic symbiosis.