Reef Pistol Shrimp

The Reef Pistol Shrimp. The back has rust-colored broken stripes that run across the tan body. These beneficial shrimp are excellent sand stirrers in reef aquariums and scavengers of lost food due to their constant movement of gravel.
An appendage on the pincher moves when the pincher is opened or closed and water is ejected, resulting in the sound. The Snapping Shrimp can be easily confused with Mantis Shrimp if judged by sound only. It is not harmful and will not be a threat in the tank, with the possible exception of very small shrimp, unlike the Mantis Shrimp.
The name Harmonious Shrimp comes from the similarly helpful relationship the Gun Shrimp has with gobies (for example Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops).The goby, with better eyesight, warns the shrimp of predators. The shrimp and the goby eat together.
Sand, rock caves, and low light conditions are ideal for Tiger Snapping Shrimp. When two people are in a pair, one will frequently guard the burrow while the other is inside. Copper and high nitrate levels are toxic to pistol shrimp, but the right amount of iodine in the water will help them molt.
Snapping Shrimp will take bottom feeder tablets and any meaty freeze-dried or frozen foods.

Scientific Name

Alpheus bellulus

Specifications