Pistol Shrimp – Guide On The Interesting Pistol Shrimp

There are greater than 500 hundred species of pistol shrimp recognized thus far but only a small amount that reach the marine tank hobby with any regularity. They are also notorious as hitchhikers that come in through live rock. Pistol shrimp are normally small with sizes ranging from half an inch to two inches.

All pistol shrimp have one (Or sometimes two) out-sized claw that create a cavitation bubble as it snaps shut. Up to 4700 Celcuis is the temperature of the bubble produced. The snapping action also creates a pop that is obviously audible.

Their claws are utilized for both offence and defence. While they can prey on a variety of creatures, they are better renowned for their ability to scavenge well in captivity. They are a burrowing species, burrowing through the sand and even beneath the rock scape. This poses a danger to your saltwater tank. Unsecured live rock can collapse and may well damage the tank itself. Their penchant for keeping the sand clean however, more than makes up for having to secure the entire rock structure.

Saltwater sponges have been known to be associated by means of some forms of pistol shrimp. By far the fascinating feature of pistol shrimp are their ability to form a symbiotic association with some species of goby fish. This is usually seen in pistol shrimps belonging to the genus Alpheus such as the tiger pistol shrimp and Randall’s pistol shrimp.

Both the goby and the shrimp profit from such a association. The goby warns the pistol shrimp of approaching danger as the shrimp cannot see very well. It does this through keeping in constant physical contact with the goby as a result of resting its antennae on the goby’s tail and body. Should the goby make any unexpected or fast movements, it will be construed as risk as a result of the shrimp. In return, the pistol shrimp provides a safe burrow for the goby. Ever vigilant, the goby will typically be seen on the look out while the pistol shrimp goes about its business digging and scavenging for food until it receives a warning from the goby. The goby on the other hand, feeds on passing plankton brought through the oceans currents.

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