Stomatopods or Mantis Shrimp (despite the fact that they are neither mantids nor shrimp) are an order of crustaceans that are classified as either Spearers or Smashers. The Spearers (such as the third photograph) have extremely sharp appendages that are used to fly out and spear prey, whereas Smashers have one rudimentary spear and one club that is used to bludgeon the hell out of prey. In Smashers, these appendages move unbelievably fast, reaching speeds up to 28m/s from a standstill and accelerating at a rate of 102,000 m/s(sq) (10,400 g), comparable to the acceleration of a .22 calibre round. The strike lands with a force of 1,500 newtons, but the prey is also hit with a shockwave of collapsing cavitation bubbles (like the pistol shrimp) caused by the speed of the strike. Also like the pistol shrimp, these collapsing cavitation bubbles create an ambient temperature of several thousand kelvin.

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