Warning: This Dangerous Creature Has Been Discovered in US Waters

I think many people would agree that South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in America. Not only is it home to gorgeous beaches and lush forests, but its coastline offers an abundance of amazing marine life.

However, while this natural beauty may be a delight to behold, there are some creatures lurking beneath the surface who can cause serious harm if handled incorrectly. The mantis shrimp is one such creature, and recently a warning has been issued about its potentially hazardous ‘thumb splitters’ which have been known to slice human fingers clean through to the bone.

Mantis shrimps are not technically shrimp at all; instead they are distant relatives of crabs, lobsters and shrimp. They get their name from their appearance which looks like a mix between a praying mantis and an actual shrimp – they can be seen in various colors ranging from 12-15 inches long.

It’s actually their claw which holds the greatest danger as these unusual crustaceans use two methods for hunting – spearing or smashing – with sharp forelimbs being used to pierce predators or prey. And what makes them even more formidable is their speed; research indicates that they can reach speeds of up to 170 mph.

These thumb splitter claws have been known to cut right through human skin so it’s no wonder why fisherman should take extra care when handling them (as well as other stomatopods). The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has warned against consuming them too as they don’t have much meat on them and it isn’t considered good quality either.

So although these majestic looking creatures might appear harmless, caution must be taken when handling them due to their remarkable speed combined with those razor-sharp claws.

Despite the potential danger posed by mantis shrimps, there are still benefits associated with having them around in our coastal waters too. Research suggests that they act as indicators for environmental pollutants in coral reefs due mainly to how sensitive they are towards surrounding conditions – meaning if something changes then so too will their behavior accordingly.