Mantis Shrimp Punches Hole In Fisherman's Foot After Being Caught

In an astonishing video, a mantis shrimp managed to "punch" a hole through a fisherman's foot after being caught.

The ocean is home to many creatures that can be dangerous to humans.

One of the first dangerous sea creatures that might come to mind is the shark, known as one of the main predators in the marine ecosystem.

However, you wouldn't normally consider mantis shrimps a threat to people, but fisherman and YouTuber Mr. Markus might argue otherwise.

YouTube / Mr. Markus

He was filming his fishing trip on the water about two years ago when he caught the incident on camera.

The footage captured not only the attack by the mantis shrimp but also its painful consequences.

This particular video has since gone viral, amassing over 27 million views.

In it, Mr. Markus is seen in his boat, pulling in his fishing line.

"There's something on there. It seems little. Is it another shrimp? It is! No way," he exclaims as he hauls the colorful shrimp out of the water.

Surely a shrimp could cause no harm? YouTube / Mr. Markus

As he cuts the shrimp free from the line, it starts thrashing around the boat and, shockingly, it lunges at the fisherman’s foot.

"Ow, that really hurt," he reacts. "That thing just grabbed on to me and smashed my foot."

Incredibly, the shrimp was strong enough to punch through his boots.

"Supposedly the mantis shrimp has the most powerful punch in the animal kingdom," Mr. Markus remarks as he removes his boot to reveal a foot dripping with blood.

"The power of the freaking mantis shrimp, oh my gosh," he continues, clearly shocked. "That did not feel good at all."

The shrimp caused quite a bit of damage. (YouTube/Mr.Markus)

After the video was posted on YouTube, viewers were astounded by what they saw.

One person commented: "Holy s**t these guys are BADA**."

Another viewer pointed out: "These shrimps are no joke, even if they miss their prey when 'punching', the shockwave is powerful enough to kill it. No need to say that handling them badly is a very bad idea."

Some comments were more focused on the fisherman’s decision to leave the shrimp flailing near him on the boat.

One user pointed out: "Leaving the shrimp that just broke your skin through a boot laying right next to your nut sack doesn't seem like a very bright idea."

Another chimed in: "Ummmm keeping him there between your legs probably not the best idea."

Despite their small size, mantis shrimps are remarkably powerful.

In fact, they are said to "pack the strongest punch of any creature in the animal kingdom."

According to researchers at Harvard University, their club-like claws can "accelerate faster than a bullet out of a gun."