Snapping shrimp of the family Alpheidae

Abstract

Snapping shrimp of the family Alpheidae possess a specialized claw that generates high-velocity water jets and cavitation bubbles through rapid closure. A key adaptation that allows for these extreme events is the presence of well matched adhesive discs on the movable (dactyl) and immovable (propodus) claw elements. These discs are theorized to prevent premature release of the dactyl and enable sufficient elastic energy storage to power a snap. Despite their importance in the snapping shrimp strike mechanism, the type and strength of the discs’ adhesion is poorly understood. In this project, I explore methods to quantify this adhesive force using materials testing. These methods will be used going forward to develop a rigorous model of the type of adhesion involved, and ultimately contribute to an understanding of how physically extreme biomechanical systems vary between species.