Pistol Shrimp
Pistol Shrimp
Tiger Pistol Shrimp: The Reef's Fascinating Engineer
Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus) are among the most captivating and beneficial invertebrates you can add to a reef aquarium. Famous for their symbiotic relationship with watchman gobies, these industrious shrimp are constantly excavating and maintaining burrows while producing their signature snapping sound that can be heard throughout your home.
Why Tiger Pistol Shrimp?
Fascinating symbiotic behavior with watchman gobies (sold separately)
Excellent sand bed maintenance through constant excavation and sifting
Produces distinctive snapping/clicking sounds with oversized claw
Helps aerate substrate and prevent anaerobic zones
Reef-safe and peaceful with other tank inhabitants
Entertaining to watch as they engineer complex burrow systems
Care Requirements:
Temperature: 72-78°F
Salinity: 1.023-1.025
pH: 8.1-8.4
Requires sand bed (2+ inches) for natural burrowing behavior
Provide rocks or structures for burrow construction
Feed meaty foods 2-3 times per week (mysis shrimp, pellets)
Pairing with Gobies: Tiger Pistol Shrimp form remarkable partnerships with watchman gobies (Yellow, Dracula, or Randall's). The nearly-blind shrimp maintains the burrow while the goby acts as lookout, creating one of nature's most fascinating symbiotic relationships.
Important Note: The shrimp's snapping sound can be surprisingly loud and may startle new reef keepers. This is completely normal behavior.
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
Each Tiger Pistol Shrimp is carefully quarantined and inspected to ensure you receive a healthy, active specimen ready to engineer fascinating burrows in your reef aquarium.
Feeding & Diet
Feeding & Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Seahorse will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.
Care & Water Parameters
Care & Water Parameters
The Seahorse thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Generally considered reef-safe. The Seahorse coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.
Size & Growth
Size & Growth
Seahorses are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.
Share
