Posted by Melvin Pasley on April 21, 2002 at 17:28:12:
In Reply to: Chris - Mantis shrimp posted by MJG on April 21, 2002 at 14:35:51:
Mantis shrimp strike at 3 to 4 milliseconds (yes milliseconds, you won't know what hit you) from a standing start. The fasting striking creature on the planet. They also hit hard, wtih the impact of a .22 caliber bullet. There are two varieties. One uses a needle sharp appendage to spear its prey, or to rip you open, the other a calcified appendage to club, or in your case shatter the bone.
Visit http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/ or http://www.leejohnsen.com/stooges/mantis.htm for more information. The Southern California variety is the most dangerous of the mantis shrimp. It is a good thing you did not catch it.