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.