Tiger Pistol Shrimp

Tiger Pistol Shrimp: The Reef's Dynamite

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus), also known as the Tiger Snapping Shrimp or Pretty Shrimp, is a captivating and industrious marine invertebrate. Its common name comes from its striking coloration: a tan or yellowish-white body adorned with broken lines and irregular spots in shades of brown, orange, or dull red, giving it a tiger-like appearance.

This species is famous for its disproportionately large "pistol" claw, which it can snap shut with extreme speed to create a high-pressure cavitation bubble. The rapid collapse of this bubble produces an audible 'snapping' or 'clicking' sound—one of the loudest noises in the ocean—powerful enough to stun or kill small prey. Despite this formidable weapon, the Tiger Pistol Shrimp is generally peaceful toward most tankmates and makes a fascinating addition to the home aquarium.

Reaching a small maximum size of around 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm), this shrimp is a constant sand-stirrer and burrow-builder. It is most prized for its symbiotic relationship with certain goby species (like the Yellow Watchman Goby or High-Fin Red Banded Goby), where the shrimp digs and maintains a shared burrow while the goby acts as a lookout.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Tiger Pistol Shrimp is an Omnivore / Carnivore and a diligent scavenger. In the wild, it consumes small invertebrates, detritus, and algae. In the aquarium, it will scavenge uneaten food and detritus, but its diet should be supplemented with sinking meaty foods, such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and sinking pellets.
• Feeding: While often nocturnal, it will venture out for food, particularly when paired with a protective goby. Target feeding with a sinking food near its burrow can ensure it receives adequate nutrition. It is known to share food with its goby partner.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally Reef Safe With Caution. It will not harm corals, but its constant burrowing activity can destabilize rockwork (ensure rocks are securely placed on the aquarium bottom) and may deposit sand onto low-lying or delicate corals. It should not be kept with very small, slow-moving fish or other small shrimp, which may be mistaken for prey.
• Temperament: Peaceful / Solitary/Territorial. It is peaceful towards most larger fish but can be territorial towards other pistol shrimp. It should be kept singly or in a single male/female pair. Its relationship with a symbiotic goby is one of the most popular and rewarding dynamics in the hobby.
• Tank Requirements: Requires a minimum 15-20 gallon tank with a deep sand bed (2+ inches) to facilitate its natural burrowing behavior. Iodine and Calcium supplementation are important for proper molting and exoskeleton health.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Alpheus bellulus
• Primary Common Name: Tiger Pistol Shrimp
• Other Common Names: Tiger Snapping Shrimp, Pretty Shrimp, Symbiosis Shrimp
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Burrowing (Forms a Symbiotic relationship with Gobies)
• Diet: Omnivore/Carnivore (Scavenger of detritus and meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 15 Gallons (Requires a deep sand bed)
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Burrowing may affect coral placement)