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Kapalai: Mantis shrimp

The colourful mantis shrimp has the swiftest 'kick' of any predator. It can flail its front claws at up to speeds of 23 metres per second to break open the shells of snails or other prey - fast and hard enough to split open a human finger. So never poke your finger at a mantis shrimp and don't bring your camera too close to it!

Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp, Gunard Ground, May 2006

Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp showing defensive stance, Gunard Ground, May 2006

Giant mantis shrimp

Giant mantis shrimp, Midreef, May 2006

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