Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Description:

This beautiful mantis shrimp is quite common in Anilao, Philippines. This one was perhaps about 12cm long and had vibrantly red legs. What is amazing about the mantis is its punch. According to wikipedia, "It is reported to have a "punch" of over 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). This is the fastest recorded punch of any living animal. The acceleration is similar to that in a .22 caliber handgun, with 340 pounds-force (1,500 N)[4] per strike." Incredible!

Habitat:

Coral Reef. Saw this one at Bahura.