Have you ever wondered what the loudest animal in the world is? Well, neither did I, until a moment of curiosity led me under the sea. (sorry.)
So, perhaps unsurprisingly, sperm whales are the noisiest animals in the world, but then perhaps another type of whale is the next most noisy, or maybe a lion. I thought no, but no, I was overthinking it.
Yes, these animals are noisy, but not as loud as some types of shrimp.
A small shrimp that makes a huge sound
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, “Pistol shrimp, also known as snail shrimp, are crustaceans in the family Alfeidae that can produce up to 189 decibels of sound when they snap their large claws.”
To put this into perspective, the Royal Family says that if you don’t think about decibels in your daily life (the same), it’s louder than rocket launches, live music performances, nightclubs, and even fireworks. National Institute for the Deaf.
That’s wild enough, right? But what’s even more concerning is that these animals can grow up to 3 inches. This much noise in a small body! ? It’s so small, where will it fit?
But that’s not all. Not only are these shrimp loud, they really pack a punch.
Saltwaterfish.com says: “The most distinctive feature of this shrimp is its large claw, which it uses to make a clicking sound, which is why it is called a “pistol” or “snap” shrimp.
“These claws are not only a formidable weapon against predators, but also a tool for hunting prey.”
“Small but mighty” has never been more true.