Skullbreaker Shrimp

Among the crystal reefs off the coast of Caldar lays a large ambush predator; the Skullbreaker Shrimp. 2.4 meters long and with a rearing height of 1.6 meters, this mantis shrimp can look a human in the eye and is a massive hazard to aquatic research expeditions in its range due to their extreme aggression and territoriality. The brightly coloured shell of Skullbreakers help them blend perfectly in the crystalline reefs until prey come into striking distance, then the skullbreaker will deploy the weapon signature to the clade, a powerful punching appendage, however due to the size of the Skullbreaker, this punch is multitudes stronger than surface mantis shrimps. The force of the punch is enough to sever extremities and punch holes through dense armour.

Skullbreaker shrimp are macropredators, targeting large fish, sharks and most notably marine mammals, with a preference for small cetaceans and pinnipeds. The lack of colour vision and fleshy bodies make them prime targets for ambush and devastating punch. The general lack of armour mean marine mammals such as dolphins and seals are far more likely to be incapacitated by one or two punches unlike other crustaceans and fish that can take more punishment before being taken down.