- Common names: Pistol shrimp, snapping shrimp, alpheid shrimp
- Scientific name: Alpheus spp., possibly Alpheus bellulus
- Reef safe: Likely safe with corals, not with small prey (small fish, mobile inverts)
- Diet: meaty foods (carnivorous), predator–uses pistol to stun prey
- Care level: Easy/suitable for beginners
- Unique aspects: has a fascinating symbiosis with shrimp gobies, awesome to watch
- Warnings: watch out for high nitrates, NEVER use copper in the tank
What are the Predators of a wild pistol shrimp?
Quick Notes about Pistol Shrimp
- Name
- Scientific Name
- Keeping
- Breeding
- Size
- Optimal Temperature
- Water type. SG = 1.021 – 1.025
- Optimal PH
- Optimal KH
- Nitrate
How big do pistol shrimp get?
Pistol shrimp use snapper claws to deform bubbles, a process that releases immense force and heat upon their targets. To make the infamous snap, the dactylus (top pincer) cocks open, exposing a protruding plunger-like top. The pollex (bottom pincer) sits immobile with an awaiting socket. As the claw snaps shut, the plunger rapidly meets the ...
Are pistol shrimp freshwater or saltwater?
The Pistol shrimp or Snapping shrimp is an impressive, unique, and desirable marine invertebrate. It is known for its snapping claw “the Pistol” that creates a loud sound and immense force capable of knocking out small inverts and fish.
How to catch a pistol shrimp?
Unveiling the physical mechanism behind pistol shrimp cavitation
- Abstract. Snapping shrimps use a special shaped claw to generate a cavitating high speed water jet. ...
- Introduction. ...
- Results. ...
- Discussion. ...
- Methods. ...
- Acknowledgements. ...
- Author information. ...
- Ethics declarations. ...
- Additional information. ...
- Electronic supplementary material
Can you keep a pistol shrimp as a pet?
If you are wondering whether a little critter with such enormous ability can be kept in a saltwater aquarium, the answer is yes! Most varieties of Pistol shrimp are reef-safe, compatible with corals and non-aggressive fish, and fairly easy to care for.
Can pistol shrimp live in freshwater?
While most genera and species are found in tropical and temperate coastal and marine waters, Betaeus inhabits cold seas and Potamalpheops is found only in freshwater caves. When in colonies, the snapping shrimp can interfere with sonar and underwater communication.
Do pistol shrimp need sand?
1) Pistol shrimp need a substantial sand bed 1"+ deep to be happy. Not only must you provide said sand bed, but realize that they will tirelessly rearrange every inch of it. They also like small rubble pieces to shim up tunnel walls.
Do pistol shrimp eat algae?
The pistol shrimp is a carnivorous hunter and opportunistic scavenger, eating smaller invertebrates or fish, stunned by its snapping claw, as well as tiny scavenged morsels of meaty foods, algae, and detritus. They are often fed flakes, pellets, and frozen foods in a home aquarium.
Can a pistol shrimp live without a goby?
Pistol shrimps have one preoccupation: constructing and maintaining elaborate burrows. This in itself makes them very interesting and entertaining aquarium inhabitants, even without gobies, but it does need to be taken into consideration when setting up the tank.
Will pistol shrimp eat coral?
I was able to find out that pistol shrimps WILL EAT CORALS! BEWARE. Its 50/50 if they will pair with a goby and many long term keepers report a fish death associated with them.
How long do pistol shrimp live?
Bigclaw snapping shrimp can live as long as 4 years in the wild. When kept as pets, these shrimp live an average of 2-3 years. In the wild they have a high rate of larval mortality, as do most shrimp, but the chance of survival increases with age.
Can pistol shrimp live with cleaner shrimp?
The cleaner shrimp in a tank with a pistol shrimp will die...it may not be this week, or next or even this season, but the pistol shrimp will kill (and eat) the cleaner shrimp...of that you can be sure.
Can you have two pistol shrimp in a tank?
In a big enough tank, I am sure it would work for anyone, as long as the two shrimp don't try to take the same burrow. If they have a territory battle, one may kill the other. If you can get them to set up shop at different ends of the tank, you'd be fine.
Can a pistol shrimp break glass?
Thank you for pointing out that pistol shrimp may indeed be capable of cracking glass aquaria, which is something that home hobbyists often regard has merely an “urban aquarium legend,” so to speak. On occasion, the pistol shrimp can present a danger to their tankmates as well as to the tanks they are kept in.
How many pistol shrimp are in a tank?
Limit stocking to just one goby and shrimp pair per aquarium, unless you have several hundred litres available. It's sometimes possible to establish heterosexual pairs of gobies and 'mated pairs' may be occasionally offered. Otherwise, stick to one goby per genus.
How big does a pistol shrimp get?
What Is a Pistol Shrimp and What Does It Do ? The pistol shrimp is a remarkable creature about 4 cm in length and 25 grams in weight. Despite its small size, it can move its claws at a speed of 97 km/hr. The speed of the snap is such that a bubble is created consisting of vacuum.
Where does the pistol shrimp live?
coral reefsPistol Shrimp can be found in coral reefs, submerged seagrass flats and oyster reefs of temperate coastal waters.
Can pistol shrimp breaks aquarium glass?
Thank you for pointing out that pistol shrimp may indeed be capable of cracking glass aquaria, which is something that home hobbyists often regard has merely an “urban aquarium legend,” so to speak. On occasion, the pistol shrimp can present a danger to their tankmates as well as to the tanks they are kept in.
What fish can I keep with pistol shrimp?
Good Tank Mates for Pistol Shrimp:Damselfish, Pygmy Angelfish, Tangs, and other small to medium sized fish.Watchman Gobies.Corals, Anemones, and Sponges.Most Shrimp and Crabs.Snails, Clams, Starfish, and Hermit Crabs.
How long do pistol shrimp live?
Bigclaw snapping shrimp can live as long as 4 years in the wild. When kept as pets, these shrimp live an average of 2-3 years. In the wild they have a high rate of larval mortality, as do most shrimp, but the chance of survival increases with age.
Table of Contents: Pistol Shrimp
When it comes to pistol shrimp, there are TONS of information to sort through. And you can use the links below to hop down to a section that interests you. But if you want to learn all of the ins and outs for the group (which you will once you start on the dive), keep scrolling to read the full article.
Introduction to Pistol Shrimp
With a name like “pistol shrimp,” you know there’s a story brewing. And you’re right. This crustacean comes with two fascinating behaviors, the first of which centers around that common name. (Don’t worry, we’ll tackle the second a bit later) Pistol shrimp possess loaded weapons in their claw. No, seriously!
Aquarium Care for Pistol Shrimp
Now that you’ve decided you need that fantastic “shooting” skill in your saltwater aquarium let’s focus on what you need to keep a pistol shrimp. Luckily, while the mechanism behind their adaptation is complicated, their care ISN’T. Even a beginner to the hobby can manage one without too much trouble.
Pistol Shrimp Compatibility
Despite their carnivorous nature, you don’t need to keep pistol shrimp on their own. Even the largest species don’t get more than 3 inches (7.6cm) long. This means you can safely pair them up with most of your favorite fish species. Of course, you want to avoid fish that think shrimp taste delicious, such as hawkfish and lionfish.
Symbiosis with Shrimp Gobies
Of course, when it comes to compatibility, that symbiotic relationship with shrimp gobies tops the list. And plenty of hobbyists rank the pairing as a close second behind the water bullet as a reason to add pistol shrimp to their saltwater aquariums.
Are Pistol Shrimp Right For You?
Pistol shrimp are certainly not appropriate for every tank. While they’re easy to feed and technically considered reef-safe, they will harass and kill most other small, mobile invertebrates in your tank. So if you want to have hermit crabs or other shrimp, you might want to take a pass on owning these fascinating crustaceans.
For More Information
Pistol shrimp definitely rank at the top of interesting saltwater shrimp species. They intrigue anyone that comes across them. (Well, once they hear about that shooting skill, anyway.
Origin of Pistol Shrimp
The pistol shrimp hails from the caridean shrimp family called Alpheidae. The common feature that members of this family have are the asymmetrical class, having a larger claw that is capable of producing a loud snapping sound. This family has over 600 species that are grouped in about 38 genera.
Habitat of Pistol Shrimp
Pistol shrimps are known to have a cosmopolitan distribution, and they exist commonly in oyster reefs, coral reefs, muddy estuaries, and submerged seagrass flats. Most of these shrimps are known to dwell on marine waters, tropical, temperate coastal areas.
The Appearence of Pistol Shrimp
Pistol shrimps are colorful, agile, and beautiful to look at. They are fairly small in size, estimated at a range of 3-5cm in terms of the body length. They are equipped with two asymmetrical classes, namely a specialized claw meant for snapping, and a normal claw.
Pistol Shrimp Behavior
These species have a unique, and rather interesting behavior which is also what puts these species on the map. At first they were considered a nuisance, and were taken as wanted in Coral or live rock. Upon feeling threatened, the pistol shrimp opens its claw, and prepares it in a way like a gun is cocked.
The Snapping Technique
The powerful snapping ability is what the Pistol Shrimp is well known for. The pistol shrimp makes use of it’s large claw as a communication tool, and a weapon as well. The rapid closure of the claw produces a loud sound, technically one of the very loud sounds in the ocean.
Feeding Pistol Shrimp
These species are well known scavengers, and naturally detritus feeders, hence they can easily be seen on the substrate feeding on detritus. These species are carnivorous, and they feed on small invertebrates.
Are Pistol Shrimp Coral Safe?
No need for you to worry about the pistol shrimp picking on your corals, or causing destruction to colonies of zoas, which implies that they are technically safe for reef tanks in that sense. These species do not feed on corals.
ParticipationTrophyWife
The fish will eat whatever fish food you have. I use a skewer and wave a piece of raw fish or shrimp (cannibal!) at my pistol once a week. If lazy, I'll feed him an algae wafer.
Minmay
I feed my candy pistol once a day. I feed mine pellet and put it directly in his lil hole. I see him pick up to eat.
Thrassian Atoll
I would feed my pistol if I ever saw him. I haven't seen him since I put him in my tank a few weeks ago. I hear him clicking though once and a while. I am not even sure which cave he's in. My Yasha hardly goes by any of the caves.
Minmay
I would feed my pistol if I ever saw him. I haven't seen him since I put him in my tank a few weeks ago. I hear him clicking though once and a while. I am not even sure which cave he's in. My Yasha hardly goes by any of the caves.
IonicBond
I had a rogue pistol hitcher for about 4-5 years and never fed him because I never saw him! Except some very sneaky spottings at night with a red light headlamp. Only stopped hearing his ear piercing cracks when I moved for a 4th time. RIP
Thrassian Atoll
Awww...i miss my yasha..it was a good looking pair but my yasha decided to jump b4 I could make a top for my tank ?
ParticipationTrophyWife
I would put a cover on. Shrimp gobies will jump. They spook, shoot for the corner, then pinball up and out.
Characteristics of Pistol Shrimps
This is the common name of these crustaceans. They belong to the family Alpheidae, and they are the only specimens, that can generate such a powerful snap. The Pistol Shrimp is a decapod crustacean, like most of this species.
Pistol Shrimps in couple
The males of this species are more tolerant among each other, they even prefer to share their caves, before facing with one of them. This is the reason why they can live in colonies of Pistol Shrimps, within a reduced space.
Shrimps Pistol in their Caves
Since this species was recently discovered , there are still many unknown aspects about Pistol Shrimps. For example there isn’t yet a certain explanation, about why females behave more aggressive among them, than against females of other species.
How do Pistol Shrimps Hunt
These shrimps have a very peculiar way of hunting, since they are conscious of the powerful weapon they have, which is extremely effective, and helps them get their food successfully. This is why these creatures remain hidden or entrenched in their caves , waiting for a potential prey to pass close to them.
Reproduction of Pistol Shrimps
The exact moment for the reproduction of the Pistol Shrimps, is just after the moult of the female’s exoskeleton, because it is in this right moment, when her skin is as soft as needed .
Shrimp Copulating
As we mentioned before, the study of this species started a short time ago, so we don’t have enough details about this process; even males have been observed who don´t consider it necessary to wait for the female to moult her exoskeleton for mating, and they try to interact with several females, because they don’t have a partner in the cave..
Offspring Developing
The offspring (floating larvae when just born ) leave from the eggs , and they go through a series of changes as they grow. Before developing an adult body, the larvae will moult it’s skin several times. This process can last between one and four months, then they will have already developed as adults, and will be sexually mature to reproduce.