Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus)

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus) is a hardy, reef-safe invertebrate best known for two things: the loud snap of its oversized claw and its remarkable friendship with shrimp gobies. Boldly banded in rust-orange and cream, it spends its days excavating and maintaining a burrow in the sand, often sharing that burrow with a partner goby that acts as its lookout. It is one of the most fascinating and low-maintenance additions you can make to an established reef. Care level: beginner. Temperament: peaceful.

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The Goby Partnership

Tiger Pistol Shrimp form a classic symbiotic pair with shrimp gobies (also called watchman gobies). The shrimp is nearly blind, so it digs and defends a shared burrow while keeping one antenna on the goby. The goby perches at the entrance and watches for danger, flicking its tail to warn the shrimp when a predator is near. Pairing the two is one of the most rewarding sights in a reef tank. Genuine partner species we stock include the HiFin Banded Goby and the Yellow Watchman Goby. Note that firefish and most other gobies do not form this bond, only true shrimp gobies do.

Care Guide

This shrimp is undemanding as long as it has a deep sand bed to burrow in and stable reef water. The snapping claw produces a sharp popping sound, which is normal and harmless. It is fully reef safe and will not harm corals; it simply rearranges sand and rubble around its den.

• Deep sand bed: provide at least a couple inches of sand plus rubble or small rock for burrow support.
• Established reef: best added to a mature tank with stable parameters.
• Reef safe: safe with corals; will not bother fish. May defend its burrow from other bottom inverts.
• Diet: omnivore and scavenger; feeds on detritus and leftovers, supplemented with sinking meaty foods.

Specifications

Compatibility

Reef safe and peaceful toward fish and corals. Its ideal companion is a shrimp goby, with which it will share a burrow. Keep only one pistol shrimp per tank unless the aquarium is large, as they can be territorial toward their own kind and other burrowing shrimp. Small ornamental shrimp are generally safe, but very tiny inverts near the burrow may occasionally be at risk. Browse compatible saltwater tank mates.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Xtreme Marine PeeWee Slow-Sinking Pellets that reach the sand bed
• SFBB Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp for a meaty treat
• Xtreme Marine Krill Flakes to supplement the tank
• Pair it with a HiFin Banded Goby for the full symbiosis
• Browse all saltwater supplies for reef upkeep

FAQ

Is the snapping sound a problem? No. The snap is how the shrimp stuns prey and communicates. It is loud but harmless to your tank and its inhabitants.

Do I need a goby? Not required, but a shrimp goby partner makes for a fascinating display and helps the shrimp feel secure. The two are not dependent on each other to survive.

Is it reef safe? Yes. It will not harm corals. It only moves sand and rubble while tending its burrow.

Will it hurt my fish? No. It is peaceful and stays near its burrow. It poses no threat to fish or corals.