Tiger pistol shrimp
Alpheus bellulus
InvertebrateMarine
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.1 |
Care
Difficulty3/5
Dietcarnivore
Min. tank80 L
Min. group1
Adult size5 cm
Lifespan4 ans
TemperamentPeaceful, but can be territorial
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.