Created by John Downer Productions to observe sea life up close and personal, this spy camera was built to resemble a large crab so it can move about its quarry without the potential disturbance a sizeable underwater camera might cause. In the video, it wanders too close to a female peacock mantis shrimp’s den and gets punched in the claw. Thankfully, the well-constructed spy crab is able to withstand the attack.
The mantis shrimp has the world’s most powerful punch, traveling faster than a fired bullet. The punch is so fast that it causes cavitation bubbles (formed when the static pressure of a liquid reduces to below the liquid’s vapor pressure, leading to the formation of small vapor-filled cavities in the liquid) that ultra-briefly reach temperatures of 4,400°C. Mother Nature, isn’t she wild? And maybe even a little TOO wild as far as under-the-sea creatures go. I’m looking at you, deep sea octopuses!
Would I want to get punched by a mantis shrimp? Absolutely not. I also don’t want to be pinched by a crab or bitten by a shark. Truthfully, there are very few interactions I would like to have with sea life now that I think about it. However, I did kiss a stingray on vacation after being told it would bring good luck. I’ll be honest, though — I don’t think it’s working.
[via TechEBlog]
With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.