Tiger pistol shrimp

Alpheus bellulus

Family : Alpheidae

InvertebrateMarineshrimp

The tiger pistol shrimp is known for its claw capable of producing a powerful snapping sound.

Tiger pistol shrimp — photo 1 sur 4 — User:Haplochromis · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 4

Popularity

Marine shrimp

often cleaner

Availability

Specialty only

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

Indo-Pacific

Récifs coralliens de l'océan Indien et Pacifique tropical.

Description

Alpheus bellulus, the tiger pistol shrimp, belongs to the family Alpheidae. It has a large claw that, when closed, creates a cavitation bubble producing a deafening snap, used to stun prey or communicate. Its coloration is brown-red with lighter bands. It often lives in symbiosis with gobies of the genera Amblyeleotris or Cryptocentrus, sharing a burrow.

Habitat

Region :

Sandy bottoms and reefs

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature24–28 °C

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.1 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

3/5

Diet

Carnivore

Min. tank

80 L

Min. group

Adult size

5 cm

Lifespan

4 years

Temperament

Peaceful, but can be territorial

Propagation

Egg-laying; larvae pelagic, difficult to raise

Care notes

Requires a sandy substrate at least 5 cm deep for burrowing. Salinity 1.023-1.025, temperature 24-28°C. Can be kept with a partner goby. Diet: small pieces of fish, brine shrimp, mysis. Avoid burrowing fish.

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