Tiger Pistol Snapping Shrimp - (Alpheus bellulus)

Care Level - Easy Temperament- Peaceful Reef Safe - Yes  Max Size - 3" The Tiger Snapping Shrimp may also be called Symbiosis Shrimp and Snapping Shrimp. The body is tan with rust colored broken stripes running across the back. These beneficial shrimp will constantly move gravel making them excellent sand stirrers in the reef aquarium, as well as scavenging any uneaten food. The sound it makes comes from an appendage on the pincher which moves when the pincher is opened or closed and water is ejected. The Snapping Shrimp can be easily confused with Mantis Shrimp if judged by sound only. Unlike the Mantis Shrimp, it is not harmful and will not pose any threat in the tank, with the possible exception of very small shrimp. The name Symbiotic Shrimp comes from the equally beneficial relationship the Pistol Shrimp has with gobies (e.g. Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops). The goby, with better eyesight, warns the shrimp of predators. The shrimp share its food with the goby. Tiger Snapping Shrimp