Depending on the species, mantis shrimp use one of two hunting strategies: “Spearer” species lay in wait then skewer unsuspecting fish by using a large spike at the end of their arms.

A mantis shrimp's punch creates high-energy waves. Its exoskeleton is designed to absorb that energy, preventing cracking and tissue damage.

The mantis shrimp comes equipped with its own weapons. It has claws that look like permanently clenched fists that are known as dactyl clubs. But when it smashes the shells of its prey ...