A TikTok video featuring an influencer took an unexpected and dramatic turn when a live shrimp attacked her at a hotpot restaurant in China. The incident, which left the diner in tears, quickly went viral, amassing over five million views.
The attack
In the video, the woman is seen sitting in an undisclosed establishment, attempting to place a live crustacean into a pot filled with other seafood. Suddenly, the shrimp leaped out of her hand. Despite her quick reaction to catch it with her chopsticks, the shrimp managed to latch onto her hand, spearing her with its raptorial forearm. Crying out in pain, the influencer struggled until an offscreen employee intervened and removed the shrimp.
The shrimp’s unexpected retaliation amused many TikTok users. One commenter wrote, “Shrimp said you hurt me, I hurt you back.” Another added, “Good for that shrimp !! He wasn’t going out without a fight.”
The mantis shrimp
Some users identified the creature as a mantis shrimp, a predatory crustacean known for its powerful raptorial claws. There are two types of mantis shrimp: spearers and smashers. Spearers target soft-bodied prey like fish and worms, while smashers use their mallet-like appendages to crack open crabs and snails. Smashers can deliver a punch strong enough to shatter glass, and spearers are known for their ability to amputate human fingers, earning them the nickname “thumb splitter.”
The video has not only captivated viewers but also sparked discussions about the fascinating and sometimes dangerous world of marine life. As the influencer recovers from her unexpected encounter, the shrimp has become an unlikely internet sensation, reminding everyone that sometimes, the prey can fight back.
