At a mere 2cm in length the tiger pistol shrimp could be the loudest creature in the animal kingdom when it snaps its claw it produces a nearly 230 decibel sound that s louder than a gunshot and even louder than a concord s sonic boom

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp: The Loudest Creature in the Animal Kingdom

When it comes to making noise, some creatures certainly know how to make a statement. From the mighty roar of a lion to the powerful howl of a whale, the animal kingdom is filled with impressive sounds. However, there is one small creature that outshines them all in terms of sheer volume - the Tiger Pistol Shrimp.

At first glance, the Tiger Pistol Shrimp may seem like an ordinary shrimp. It only measures a mere 2cm in length, which makes its incredible feat even more astonishing. But don’t let its size fool you, because when this tiny creature snaps its claw, it produces a sound that reaches nearly 230 decibels – louder than a gunshot and even surpassing the sonic boom of a Concord.

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp, scientifically known as Alpheus bellulus, possesses a specialized claw that is unlike anything found in other marine creatures. This impressive appendage is not only its most noticeable feature but also the secret to its extraordinary noise-making ability. When the shrimp closes its claw with incredible speed, it creates a cavitation bubble. This bubble then collapses with a tremendous force, generating a shockwave that produces the deafening sound.

To put this astonishing ability into perspective, let’s look at some comparisons. A typical conversation between two people produces sound levels of around 60-70 decibels. A rock concert may reach levels of 120 decibels, which is considered the threshold for pain. Now, imagine a sound that is nearly twice as loud as a rock concert or eight times louder than a typical conversation – that’s the power of the Tiger Pistol Shrimp’s snap!

Despite its remarkable noise-producing skill, the Tiger Pistol Shrimp’s primary purpose for snapping its claw is not to communicate or defend itself. It primarily serves as a unique hunting technique. When the shrimp snaps its claw, it creates a shockwave that stuns its prey, making it easier to catch and devour. This remarkable hunting strategy sets the Tiger Pistol Shrimp apart from other shrimp species, making it a fascinating creature to study.

In conclusion, the Tiger Pistol Shrimp holds the title for being the loudest creature in the animal kingdom. With its astonishing ability to produce a sound that reaches nearly 230 decibels, louder than a gunshot or a Concord’s sonic boom, this tiny shrimp surely knows how to make its presence known. Its specialized claw, capable of creating a cavitation bubble that collapses with tremendous force, gives this shrimp its extraordinary noise-making skills. As we continue to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom, the Tiger Pistol Shrimp remains a true marvel of nature.

Source:

• Hidden Hearing - Top 10 Loudest Animals