Deep in the ocean lives a tiny creature with one of the most powerful natural weapons on Earth, the pistol shrimp. Measuring just 3–5 cm, this shrimp can snap its oversized claw with such force that it creates a cavitation bubble, producing temperatures of 4,400°C nearly equal to the sun's surface. The bubble's collapse generates a shockwave as loud as 218 decibels, rivaling sperm whales and even out-blasting gunshots.

This claw-snap happens in just 15 microseconds, unleashing intense heat, sound, and even a flash of light via sonoluminescence. The shrimp uses this sonic blast not only to stun or kill prey but also to dig into rock-hard basalt and duel rivals. Astonishingly, if the shrimp loses its claw in battle, it simply grows a new one.

The pistol shrimp is a true underwater gunslinger — small, stealthy, and sonically lethal. Scientists are now intrigued by its potential for future energy research.