The fearsome mantis shrimp has many fascinating attributes, most notably its powerful hammer-like rounded claws — technically known as “raptorial appendages” — that it uses to crack open the hard shells of its favored prey (clams and crabs) and to ward off predators. And now it seems they use them as weapons against each other, smacking rivals for prime territory on their tiny shrimp butts should they dare to trespass on an occupied burrow. Just call it Mantis Shrimp Fight Club.
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