Tiger Pistol Shrimp

Common Name: Tiger Pistol Shrimp, Tiger Snapping Shrimp

Latin: Alpheus bellulus

Max Size: 2 inches

Temperature: 71-81F

pH: 8.1-8.4

Reef Safe: Yes

Pistol shrimp are a unique species of shrimp that look more like a lobster than a shrimp. They have lots of interesting traits including an ability to create a loud snapping sound for defensive and prey capturing smaller prey items. They also form symbiotic relationships with gobies where the goby will be the watch guard to a shared burrow and the shrimp will be the excavator. Pistol shrimp do enjoy burrowing so ensure an adequate sanded is available. They tend to be more shy in nature however will be easily found by their burrow they will form. They are reef safe however ensure they are not placed with nano shrimp species who may become prey.

Tiger Pistol Shrimp are the most commonly available species of snapping shrimp. They have a distinctive brown and white mottled pattern.