Snapping Shrimp

Have you ever heard strange popping noises on the shore during your intertidal walks? These sounds are actually made by snapping shrimps, also known as pistol shrimps! To make these loud sounds, the snapping shrimp snaps its oversized claw shut, which causes a super-fast jet of water to shoot out, like a bullet firing from a pistol. This creates large bubbles which promptly implode, producing a sharp popping sound as well as a powerful shockwave that stuns or even physically hurts the prey of the snapping shrimp!

Although Singapore is home to multiple species of snapping shrimp, they are all unfortunately threatened to various degrees. This may be partly due to marine noise pollution produced by shipping and other human activities, which may drown out the sounds produced by snapping shrimps. As snapping shrimps make noise when they catch prey, defend themselves against predators and communicate with other snapping shrimps, it is likely that marine noise pollution would affect the lives and survival of these animals.