peacock mantis shrimp

plural peacock mantis shrimps

1. A mantis shrimp of species Odontodactylus scyllarus, with keen eyesight, that smashes shells and exoskeletons of its prey and is capable of breaking through glass aquarium tanks.

   The title of fastest punch in the animal kingdom firmly belongs to the peacock mantis shrimp, whose club-like appendages reach the speed of a .22-caliber slug, shatter clamshells with ease and can slice human fingers to the bone.

   2014 April 26, Meeri Kim, “Peacock mantis shrimp’s swift, deadly punch inspires superstrong composite materials”, in The Washington Post

   Synonyms: painted mantis shrimp, rainbow mantis shrimp, clown mantis shrimp, harlequin mantis shrimp