# pistol shrimp

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A 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.

## Etymology
The snapping claw is reminiscent of a pistol.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pistol-shrimp