Facts about Pistol Shrimp Cavitation

1. 05

   During the snap, the pistol shrimp's specialized claw closes at extraordinary speed, accelerating water to form a jet exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.

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2. 04

   Cavitation bubbles generated by pistol shrimp collapse in microseconds, producing a flash of light in a phenomenon known as sonoluminescence.

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3. 03

   A pistol shrimp stuns or kills prey by shooting a high-velocity water jet produced by its snapping claw, rather than by physical contact.

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4. 02

   Pistol shrimp cavitation produces a loud snap loud enough to interfere with sonar systems, making dense shrimp colonies a significant source of underwater noise.

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5. 01

   The snap of a pistol shrimp's claw creates a cavitation bubble that briefly reaches temperatures comparable to the surface of the sun.

   Pistol Shrimp CavitationJun 7sharebiologyphysicsmarine