Photo: D.P. Wilson/FLPA/Science Source
Ocean Commotion
Jul 01, 2021
Pistol shrimp have a special claw that they snap to create a loud noise over 200 decibels (the unit of measure for sound). To put that into perspective, a jet engine taking off is 120–140 decibels. When pistol shrimp snap their claws, the bubbles that burst create a big boom. The boom stuns their prey. Pistol shrimp are thought to be a major source of noise in the ocean.