Peacock mantis shrimp are ocean-dwelling creatures that live in
coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific oceans. They range in size
from one to seven inches long and are brightly colored. Some
observers have described these shrimp as resembling “armored
caterpillars.” Although they can be a colorful addition to the
menagerie in salt-water aquariums, their presence often poses
problems. Peacock mantis shrimp feed on snails, shellfish, and
fish, so they can deplete an aquarium of its other inhabitants.
These creatures’ unique appendages are another challenge for
aquarists. Their powerful appendages act as clubs and can smash
the shells of snails and mussels as well as the skulls of fish.
They are strong enough to break glass aquariums, leading to the
recommendation that these shrimp be housed in acrylic tanks.
Previous research showed that the shrimp’s small club (typically
about 0.2 inches across) can generate more than 150 pounds of
force. It can smack an object at more than 50 miles an hour,
generating an impac