Tiger pistol shrimp
Alpheus bellulus · Alpheidae
Also known as Snapping shrimp
Beginner
Digs and maintains a burrow, then shares it with a watchman goby; audible snapping is normal.
In short: A tiger pistol shrimp needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.024–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe, though tunnelling can topple frags.
- With inverts
- Snaps at other burrowers.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Aggression
- None towards fish.
- Feeding
- Feed sinking food near the burrow.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 2–4 years
- Diet
- Omnivore/scavenger — sinking pellets, mysis, detritus.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Sand and rubble burrows
- Natural conditions
- Deep sand bed with rubble to shore up tunnels.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- Yellow watchman gobyClownfishTangs
- Avoid
- Other pistol shrimpLarge wrassesHawkfish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Females carry eggs under the tail.
- Notes
- Not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- Moult failureCopper poisoning
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