Tiger Pistol Shrimp

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingRoutine tank care

  Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceGreat first pet

  Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• Commitment3–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Molting issues · Nutritional deficiency · Parasites

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus) comes from the Indo-Pacific and reaches about 5 to 7 cm. Its enlarged claw closes so fast that it produces a cavitation bubble, and the collapse of that bubble makes the loud snap the family is named for, used to stun prey and warn off intruders. Hearing occasional cracks from the tank is normal and is not a sign of anything wrong. It suits 60 litres or more at 24-27C, salinity 1.024 to 1.026, pH 8.1 to 8.4, and it requires a sand and rubble bed at least 5 cm deep, since it constantly excavates and rebuilds a burrow system beneath the rockwork. Rocks should sit on the tank bottom rather than on the sand so its digging cannot undermine them. Feed frozen mysis, chopped prawn and sinking pellets, though it largely scavenges. Its main attraction is the partnership with a watchman or shrimp goby, which stands guard while the shrimp works. It is safe with fish and corals, though it will rearrange sand and small frags.

• How active is a Tiger Pistol Shrimp?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Tiger Pistol Shrimp need?

  Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• What tank size does a Tiger Pistol Shrimp need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Tiger Pistol Shrimp a good fit for first-time owners?

  Great first pet. Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• How long do Tiger Pistol Shrimp live?

  3–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Tiger Pistol Shrimp?

  Keep an eye out for Molting issues, Nutritional deficiency, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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