Tiger pistol shrimp
Alpheus bellulus
InvertebratesSaltwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safe
- Yes
- Recommended tank
- 80 L
- Maximum size
- 5.5 cm
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- pH
- 8–8.4
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The tiger pistol shrimp is cream white with red-brown bands and has one greatly enlarged claw with which it produces a loud crack; the sound comes from an imploding gas bubble. You will hear that crack regularly through the glass.
It is the classic partner for a symbiosis with a goby: the shrimp digs and maintains the burrow while the goby stands watch and warns of danger with its tail. Give it a deep substrate of sand plus some coarser material, and set your rockwork on the bottom pane, because it tunnels underneath.
Good to know
Related species
Keep Tiger pistol shrimp in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.