pistol shrimp

English

Etymology

The snapping claw is reminiscent of a pistol.

Noun

pistol shrimp (plural pistol shrimps or pistol shrimp)

1. An shrimp (Alpheidae) which has asymmetrical claws, the larger of which can be used to produce a loud snapping sound and shockwave that can stun or kill its prey.

Synonyms

• alpheid
• alpheid shrimp
• snapping shrimp

Translations

alpheid shrimp

• Japanese: 鉄砲蝦 (ja) (テッポウエビ, teppōebi)

See also

• caridean