DIVE HAPPY

The Mantis Shrimp may only be a few inches long, but its spring loaded claw can shatter aquarium glass. Another reason just to look and not touch these beautiful creatures

It's quite common to see mantis shrimp when you dive in the Similan Islands or in the lagoon of Koh Haa (one of the dive sites reachable from Koh Lanta). They are extraordinarily beautiful creatures and come in several colours. Underwater photographer Jez Tryner has great shots of a brown and white giant spearer mantis shrimp on his site, as well as the more familiar multicoloured mantis shrimp (pictured).

What I didn't realise when seeing these critturs is that they pack a punch that could break your dive mask if you're not careful. I know it sounds unlikely, but an article in USA Today outlines quite how powerful its spring loaded claw is. They even have a video of it in action. Apparently the mantis shrimp is one of half a dozen species that can shatter standard aquarium glass. "A few mantis shrimp though, over the years, have shattered the aquariums. "This usually happens when they attack their reflection or when they try to hit a teasing finger waving at them through the glass.""

I think I'll be treating them with even more respect from now on. [Story found via Digg]