With other crustaceans like shrimp, hermits, small crabs?
With
Worms of various sorts?
With Small fishes?
With Snails?
With larger wrasses, triggers, puffers...?
With Shrimp Gobies? |
Maybe not... might try to eat each other...
Perhaps... though may
eat them if hungry.
<Ditto>
Can/will eat these if it wants...
Munched most likely
Some matches are easier than others... See
Fishbase.org for species matching in the wild. |
Killer Pistol Shrimp?? 10/5/09
Hi guys!
<Hey Samantha! JustinN here tonight!>
I've had a 28g nanocube for quite some time now. So far everything has
been doing well and even my coral is flourishing. However, yesterday I
found one of my blue legged hermit crabs out of it's shell with a few
legs missing and very close to death.
<Uh oh..>
I figured there was nothing I could do for him and my other hermits
would eat him so I just left his body in there.
<Likely an accurate assessment, but its still better to remove
rotting/dying bits -- less potential to foul your water.>
Today I found my large coral banded shrimp also in pieces.
<sorry to hear this.>
The tank has 2 damsels, 1 yellow watchman goby, 1 yellow face Jawfish, 1
Halloween urchin, 2 emerald crabs (1 large, 1 small), 10 snails of
different species, now 7 blue legged hermit crabs, my now lack of 1
large coral banded shrimp, & quite a few different types of coral.
<Relatively well stocked for the size -- I assume you have a proper deep
sandbed to support the Jawfish?>
I've also seen 2 bristle worms in the rocks in the past week.
<Typical, usually a sign of good tank health more than a concern.>
ALSO - When I bought my live rock I found a very tiny shrimp in one of
the rocks. At the time he was only a half inch long and hard to
identify. That was a few months ago. Since then I've only seen him 1
other time. He's now much larger and a lot easier to identify. I've done
hours of research and looked at many images and information on all kinds
of shrimp. The only thing that it looks like it could be is a green
pistol shrimp. Though he's in the living room which is the main room of
the house and there's constant noise and so far I haven't heard any
clicking sounds that I know of.
<Mmmm... are you certain that its not a small Mantis Shrimp? See here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/stomatopods/mantisshrimp.htm
and related links at the top...>
He's made himself some very intricate tunnels under my main base rock. I
got the yellow watchman goby hoping they would pair up, but it never
happened. He's minded his own business for the most part. My boyfriend
has taken over the feeding and hasn't been target feeding him for the
last week. My question is do you think it's the pistol shrimp or could
it be something else we have in the tank?
<If the shrimp is genuinely a pistol shrimp, not likely -- if its a
Mantis, this would be different...>
If it is the pistol shrimp I would really like to get him out of the
tank because the coral banded shrimp was one of my favorite things in
the tank because of how large he was. If you think it was him what is
the best way to get him out of there without having to take out all the
live rock and disturbing our Jawfish, goby, and coral that have already
made their homes on, in, or under these rocks?
<Sorry to say, there's precious few other options here, if removal is
the goal...>
Please help soon. I really don't want to lose any more of my precious
animals. I have a sensitive heart and it's killing me to see these
little guys being killed off by something I didn't even want in my tank
to begin with.
Thanks so much!
Samantha
<Do read through the above link and its related FAQ's -- sounds more
like a predator shrimp than a pistol to me. Let us know if you have
further questions! -JustinN>
Re: Killer Pistol Shrimp??
An update on the situation - last night we were trying to get the shrimp
to come out from under the rock. It took a lot of time and effort, but
he finally came out enough to see him closely again.
<Excellent>
However, he wasn't out long enough to capture.
<Too bad -- they are elusive though.>
I'm 100% sure he isn't a mantis shrimp. He looks identical to a video of
a green pistol shrimp I saw on YouTube.
<Excellent -- mantis shrimp are definitely relatively defined in
appearance -- if you got a clear look, you're probably ok.>
He sort of looks like a tiny lobster which to me is what the pistol
shrimp looks like too. We also finally left the top of the tank open
long enough to hear him clicking. It's loud enough to hear over the TV.
It's a loud crack once every 10 min.s. or so.
<Sounds about right.>
Also, when we were trying to push him out from under his rock we heard
the cracking quite a few times. He also grabbed onto what we were trying
to use to push him out with. We're almost positive it is a
pistol shrimp in there, but if he isn't the one killing off the other
animals we don't want to bother him.
<I'm doubting it.>
However, if he is the killer I'm willing to go to extreme measures of
removing all the live rock in order to remove him from the tank. The
only reason why I really think he's the one who killed the other animals
is because when we found the coral banded shrimp his body was directly
in front of where we got the pistol shrimp to come out.
<Likely coincidental>
So far, all of our other animals have gotten along just fine in the
tank, but if you think it might have been one of them I'm willing to
hold off on removing the shrimp long enough to see if any of the other
animals seem to be getting territorial. However, if you do think it's
the pistol shrimp I'd like to get him out as soon as possible.
<I don't think a pistol shrimp would be causing this sort of chaos,
personally. Perhaps a water chemistry issue, such as high
nitrates/nitrites, or a lack of needed iodine... Do some water quality
tests -- more than your basic set of PH/Ammonia/Nitrate/Nitrite...>
I hate seeing my other animals being killed off as I do have them all
named and they have become part
of our large animal family. Any help is very much appreciated! I'm very
grateful for the service you guys provide us loving, curious, and
sometimes confused aquarists.
Samantha
<I think you're pretty safe from the pistol shrimp, Samantha. I'd begin
to looking towards other environmental factors -- do remember, all it
takes is a creature to pass away for the tank's
'never-seen-in-the-light-of-day' cleaning crew to start their scavenging
-- the remnants you saw could be related to this. -JustinN>
Pistol or mantis hitchhikers:
Hard to tell, but best guess is a pistol.. Hitchhiker\Pistol
Shrimp\Mantis Shrimp 8/23/2009
Hi team,
<Hi Kevin.>
I'm finally restarting a SW tank after the first one was destroyed by
hurricane Ike. Four weeks without power is apparently bad for SW
tanks... sigh.
My new tank has been setup for 6 weeks or so. It's a 44g pentagonal with
a 96W PC fixture, an Aquaclear 70 HOB filter (sponge and ceramic bio
pieces only), a Koralia 1 and a Maxi 900 with a sponge filter on it. I
started cycling it 3 weeks ago and had 40 pounds of dead rock. I added
about 10 pounds of 'fully cured' liverock and about 30 pounds of live
sand. Tank was cycled in two weeks. Last weekend I added a torch coral
and a small rock covered in green star polyps. I got a pair of mushrooms
as hitchhikers on another rock and some clove polyps on yet another
rock.
<Everything sounds good so far.>
So that was 3 weeks ago. Yesterday, my wife mentions that she's hearing
clicking sounds from the tank. Finally tonight, I heard them too. They
are pretty loud, but seem to be single pops. However, the rock that's in
the back of the tank seems to have a lot of 'debris' around it... like
silt or something. It could be just that, that the flow of water has
cleaned the rock of debris (and I have it in a different position that
the tank I got it from).
<Possible Mantis and Pistol shrimp are diggers too.>
The tank I got this live rock from is a LFS's cured live rock tank.
There is nothing in that tank but live rock.
<As far as anyone knows.....>
I have dealt with the misery of mantis hunting before and did not enjoy
it. I guess the question is would a mantis or pistol shrimp, not do
anything for almost 3 weeks and then start popping?
<Very possible.>
I know they are crustaceans, but can they go 3 weeks without food. There
is no mobile life in the tank except for some tiny worms and some very,
very tiny blue starfish.
<That is what is making me lean towards a Pistol Shrimp. You can put a
few crabs in the tank as a test. If it is a mantis, it will come out
after the crabs.>
I was thinking of adding a pair of clowns this weekend, but I don't want
to if I have to go mantis hunting.
<Put a few crabs in the tank and see what happens. To look at it another
way, Mantis Shrimps by themselves do make for an interesting display.>
It's just weird that nothing happened for almost 3 weeks, then pops.
Thanks for any info you have.
Kevin
<MikeV>
Pistol shrimp and Coral banded shrimp, incomp.
6/21/09
Hello,
<I say a greeting>
I have intermediate reef experience. I have a new 34 gallon tank, 1.5
lbs/gallon live rock, established tank (3+ months), all chemicals in
spec for a reef tank, 17 snails, 7 hermits,
<Mmm, too many of both>
2 feather dusters, 1 coco worm, 1 clam (crocea) and 1 coral banded
shrimp.
I want to get a pistol shrimp and yellow watchmen goby which I've never
had before; my question is will the CBS attack the pistol shrimp or vise
versa.
<Yes>
I feed the CBS regularly and appears timid, although he has only been in
the tank for 2 weeks.
<Are predaceous... will likely begin to consume your snails and
anomurans...>
The other fish I want for the tank, eventually, is a mandarin goby and a
six line wrasse ( I will be providing extra copepods to supplement the
mandarin since I've heard the wrasse will out compete the mandarin for
food).
<Can>
Thanks,
Tom
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Re: Pistol shrimp and Coral banded shrimp... scav. sel.
6/22/09
Bob Fenner,
I normally have had bigger aggressive reef fish (in other tanks) and not
much experience with inverts. How many hermit crabs and snails per
gallon is normal?
<Read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/maintenance/maintindex.htm
the third tray down... BobF>
Thanks again,
Tom
Pistol shrimp compatibility – 03/02/09
Hi!
First of all,
sorry for my French-influenced English... Second thing, thanks a lot for
the help and advices you've been giving so far (not only to me, but to
all the community)! Now with my question. I have a Pistol Shrimp that's
been in my 65g for a little more than 2 years now. He (or she) is a
healthy little guy (or gal... never asked him ;) ) that seems to have
established his territory from one side to the other of the tank. It
never caused any trouble, at least that's what I was thinking until I
found out what was killing my Cleaner shrimps. (thanks to YouTube...) I
was wondering if there are any parasite eating/cleaning shrimps that
could possibly be compatible with my Pistol? I've seen the pistol
cleaning my Yellow tang once, but as far as I know, Pistols are not
known to be cleaners... I also have another question: 65g + 1 Flame
Angel + 1 Yellow Tang + 1 Orangespotted Goby + snails, hermits, urchin,
pistol s. = is it too loaded? Would it be a risky game to add a dwarf
lionfish? Merci beaucoup for your help!
<Hello Ivan.
Do see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/alphcompf.htm
From personal experience I'd
say "it depends". Do bear in mind Alpheidae are all predatory to some
degree, and will view smaller invertebrates as prey. The species I
maintained under lab conditions (coldwater species from California) were
incredibly hardy and held their own very well with crabs of equal size.
While I dare say they'll mix fine with somewhat larger, fast-moving
midwater fish, I wouldn't personally recommend combining them with
anything small or slow. As for your 65 gallon system, assuming water
quality is acceptable, it doesn't sound overstocked to me. But I
wouldn't recommend adding anything else. Cheers, Neale.>
Snowflake and shrimp, incomp. 12/17/08
9 months ago I
noticed something moving in my live rock, I have a 17 gallon Marin tank
with one Snowflake eel and some grass shrimps.
<Too small a tank,
even for this eel.>
Today I found out what was the little thing
moving inside the tiny holes of the rock, it was a 1 inch long pistol
shrimp, he's green and tiny and didn't mind taking out his head and
horrible arm to grab everything he can find around the rock. Is he
dangerous for the grass shrimps???
<Can be, but your eel is too, will
eventually eliminate them anyhow.>
or the eel???
<The eel is a
threat to the shrimp.>
If so, what can I do to take him out????
<In a system this size I would simply tear it apart and remove him if
you feel you need to. In time the eel will take care of the shrimp!>
Thanks, and sorry for the English mistakes!!!
<No problem, it is
obvious to us those who are not native English speaker
vs. those who
are just lazy! Welcome, Scott V.>
Alpheid sp.
compatibility question. 11/17/08
Good Morning.
<Buenos tardes>
I have a quick question regarding a Pistol shrimp.
The LFS has what they are calling a Blue-legged Pistol shrimp. I have
done some research, but I'm getting mixed opinions as to compatibility
with fish.
<Mmm, a few general statements re Alpheid/fish
compatibility... these shrimp will consume, paralyze smaller to
good-sized fishes if... hungry, threatened, crowded... but many
individuals do learn to/get along over time, with familiarization... Is
this an Alpheus immaculatus? An "anemone" pistol shrimp? This species is
reported to be non-fish friendly... likely keeping such out/away from
their symbiotic Bartholomea hosts...>
Right now I have 3 B-G Chromis,
2 Fire fish and 1 Yellow watchman Goby in a 75 gallon tank (80 lbs L
Rock, 2 frogspawn frags, 1 hammer frag, 2 small zoos frags) . I would
like to attempt to "match" the Goby with a Pistol shrimp (I know it is a
crap-shoot).
<Yes>
Regarding the "Blue-legged" Pistol shrimp, I've
read extremes about it; from they are very compatible and can form a
symbiotic relationship with Gobies to they are not compatible and will
kill anything that gets in/ near it's burrow including Gobies.
<Again... you/we need to ascertain the species here...>
I've read all
the great WWM info about Pistol shrimps in general but could not find
anything about this specific Pistol shrimp. Any information would be
appreciated before purchasing this shrimp and playing Russian roulette
with the shrimp/Goby.
Thank you for any information you may provide,
Miguel
<Please see the Net/pix re... is this Alpheus immaculatus?
Bob Fenner>
Alpheid sp. compatibility question, pt.2
11/18/08
Thank you for the reply Bob. Somehow your answer
did not get to me via e-mail, but I did see it in the "daily questions"
section.
<Mmm... as always, am wondering why the message/s don't go
directly... every time>
I did a search under Alpheus immaculatus as
you suggested and it does appear to be what the LFS is selling as the
"Blue-legged" Pistol Shrimp. Now that I know what it is, I'll do some
more research. What I'm seeing so far is that
it is not that common a
shrimp and not much "captive" information is known.
Miguel
<Ahh,
and as hinted, the Alpheids that don't directly have symbiotic relations
with fishes themselves, are often VERY antagonistic toward them... i.e.
they exclude ("with extreme prejudice") would be predators on their
anemones, crinoids... Bob Fenner>
Pistol Shrimp and
Goby... sys., comp. – 09/08/08
Thank you folks so much
for your website. I can usually find an answer to my questions by
browsing through your extensive "library" of information.
However, I
haven't seen this one! I bought a pistol shrimp (very small, about 1/2")
for my Randall's Goby and they hit it off right away. The shrimp dug out
a burrow in the four to five inches of fine sand I have in a 28g
aquarium.
The Goby moved in but then I actually observed the shrimp
pinch the Goby on the lip.
<Yow!>
Then I noticed the tail fin of
the Goby shredded.
<Ooooh, trouble in paradise>
The Goby seemed to
stay away from the burrow for a while and it caved in. I thought the
pistol shrimp expired. The shrimp showed up about three weeks later in
another burrow and was now about 3/4" in size! The Goby seemed to
"forgive" him for the rough behavior and moved in to the new burrow. One
day I saw my Red Firefish backed into the same burrow.
<Mmm,
Microdesmids really need more room than this... and this is a
social/paired species>
I then noticed the tail fins on the Red
Firefish were "trimmed" a bit. Then the Goby's tail fins suffered the
same fate once again. Again, a cave-in of the burrow and the Pistol has
not been seen in over a month. However, the Goby has taken to reside
near the back of the tank
<No place else to get away>
and he was
almost missing his entire tail last week but, doing fine health-wise if
you don't count the exertion it takes for him to swim quickly!
I am
wondering if I should be feeding the Pistol Shrimp something specific so
he doesn't "pick" at the Goby?
<I would try, yes...>
I feed a
frozen commercial reef fish food that includes fish meat and vegetation,
pellets, brine shrimp occasionally and just started feeding mysis shrimp
after reading your articles. Do Pistol Shrimp lay dormant or hibernate
for a period of time?
<Mmm, do become cyclically "slow" during
molts/ecdysis periods>
If the "cave-in" occurs from the fine sand,
can the shrimp dig its way out or can it suffocate?
<Should be able
to dig out... but I would mix in some larger rubble material... in at
least part of the bottom here... that these animals will incorporate...>
Should I add a more coarse substrate to an area of the tank to
facilitate some type of habitat/food source?
<Ah, yes>
If the
tank did reach 83-84 degrees a time or two this summer could it have
killed the shrimp since we have not seen him?
<Mmm, doubtful>
I
hope the Pistol is still alive but, my girlfriend isn't happy that he
beats-up the Goby that is one of her favorites!
<These animals
really need to either be placed in a much larger (let's say a minimum of
four foot long) system or separated period>
Thanks for any help for
me and maybe a few of your other readers with similar questions.
Gary
Yorba Linda, CA
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Goby And Pistol Shrimp Pairing 2/19/08
Hello WWM Crew!
<Hi
Mike>
First let me mention how much I appreciate the time and effort
you all give in order to provide one of the best marine information
resources on the web.
<Thank you.>
The reason I am emailing you
today is I have recently been offered a small, one inch pistol shrimp
that hitchhiked into a friend's tank by way of his Caribbean live rock.
I volunteered to adopt this pistol shrimp in hopes of the shrimp pairing
up with my small Valenciennea puellaris goby, which is approximately 2.5
- 3 inches in size. Here's where my questions begin:
The health and
well being of my goby is of the utmost importance, as his crazy antics
and silly personality have made him like family to me. Is there a
reasonable chance that the Pistol Shrimp could harm him?
<No.><<Mmmm,
actually... these animals being from disparate seas, this is a very real
possibility. RMF>>
I've searched online and haven't seen any
indication that it might attack a goby, but I rather be safe than sorry.
Also, what are the chances of this goby pairing up with a Caribbean
pistol shrimp? If I remember right V. puellaris is an Indo-Pacific goby.
<Yes, and the Coral Sea and Sri Lanka. I'm thinking the pairing up would
be slim, but you never know. Pistol shrimp generally pair up with
Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops Gobies.>
Thank you so much for
everything you do and I appreciate any information you can provide me.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Best Regards,
Mike
Didn't think a Pistol Shrimp would harm a goby that size.
Regards, James <These alpheids can pack a real punch... enough to really
damage even a human hand. B>
Yes, I do have one (Alpheus
bisincisus) that is paired up with a Yellow Watchman Goby. I
can tell when something is disturbing him has you can hear the clicks
throughout the house, but has not harmed any fish or other inverts in
the two years I've had. Jim <Ahhh!>
Shrimp Compatibility 1/18/08
I hear of Pistol Shrimp eating
Cleaner Shrimps. Will they eat Sexy Shrimp as well?
<The Pistol
Shrimp is relatively safe with most invertebrates, but with small shrimp
such as the Sexy Shrimp...I would not chance.>
Thanks,
<You're
welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Carol
Jawfish/Goby and pistol shrimp combo 01/09/2008
Hey guys and gals
how are things?
<<Hello, Andrew here>>
I have a couple questions
this morning. I've been doing a lot of research regarding Jawfish, and
also have a love for the shrimp/goby relationship. The FAQ's have
provided me great knowledge regarding these animals.<<Great to hear>>
But, I still have a couple questions. I've been playing with marine
aquariums for over five years now, and have set up three of four tanks
due to moving and travel. Unfortunately, until now I had no idea that
the rockwork is better placed on the glass rather than the substrate.
<<A lesson well learned>>
My tank has been sitting for about 2 months
with no fish, it's 40 gallons with 50ish lbs of live rock. (1/2 of which
is either touching bottom glass or very close to it from digging
liverock into substrate)
I also have Goniopora, Button polyps, green
star polyps, and mushrooms. I have created a 6"-7" DSB about 9" square
away from the liverock for the Jawfish to build his den, sand bed is
about 2" elsewhere. Now for the questions.
With this setup will a
Jawfish build his den in the desired location?
<<Stands a good
chance, nothing is certain though>>
If not will it put my rock
structure in danger of shifting and damaging my tank?
<<If the fish
digs under rock which is only supported by sand, then yes>>
If so,
would the pistol shrimp/ goby combo be a better fit?
<<The pistol
will dig just the same as the Jawfish>>
Lastly, if both the Jawfish
and pistol/goby are o.k. in my conditions would it be at all possible
for me to have both?
<<Yes, given good tank size and big enough deep
sand, should be fine>>
Thanks again for everything you provide, any
help as always is greatly appreciated.
Steve
<<Thanks for the
questions, A Nixon>>
Re: Jawfish/Goby and pistol shrimp combo 01/09/2008
Thanks for
the quick response Andrew, greatly appreciated.
<<No problem>>
If
I dig under the liverock so it will be in direct contact with the bottom
of the tank will the concern about the Jawfish and goby/pistol be laid
to rest?
<<Yes, that will be better>>
thanks again,
Steve
<<Thanks, A Nixon>>
Pistol shrimp/gobies in new
tank
Hello,
I am in the process in setting up my reef tank (75
gallon). I have 100 pounds of live rock and 25 pounds of lace rock. I am
wondering if I can add two pistol shrimp and a wheeler watchman goby and
a Randall prawn goby (or should I just stick with one pair pistol/goby
combination) with the following list of wants of livestock.
want to
add (over a period of time)
2 fire shrimp
2 cleaner shrimp
1
banded coral shrimp
emerald crab (x2)
2 Percula clowns (w/anemone
and anemone crab inside)
2 sand sifting stars
sally lightfoot crab
4 green Chromis
50 bumble bee snails
various red/blue hermits
blue "hippo" tang (small)
button and star polyps
green stripe
mushroom
hairy mushroom
Bullseye mushroom
have a sl-150 miracle
wet/dry (Rio 2500 pump 720 gph)
two Fluval 404's
Berlin xl turbo
skimmer
4 VHO 110 watt lights
aragonite sand (75 pounds or so)
what needs added for the goby/pistol relationship to work. Thank you for
you time and consideration. its hard to find good advice when starting
out your new aquariums and ideas for livestock
Jeff Morningstar
<Mmm, the fishes you list and the non-crustaceans should pose no
problems... but the other shrimps... might be consumed by or consume the
Alpheids if hungry... I would start/do what you propose... go with just
the one pair first (either), and see how they fare. If it were me/my
system, I would acclimate the new mutuals in an all plastic specimen box
(like the ones used for housing small amphibians, lizards, bugs...
available at pet shops) on the bottom for a few days ahead of releasing
them. Bob Fenner>
Pistol Shrimp
Bob,
When I set up
my reef tank 15 months ago, one of the critters included with "the
Package" from Tampa Bay Saltwater was a pistol shrimp.
Since then,
and the tank is going well, I have been reading about the horrors of
mantis shrimp. How can one determine if one has a pistol shrimp or a
mantis shrimp? Both make that snapping sound and both hide pretty well.
I understand that the pistol should be OK in a reef tank and the mantis
not. Or are both dangerous to hermit crabs and snails? I have noticed
that I need to replace my hermit crabs and snails every so often.
<Mantis are dorso-ventrally compressed, and have longer bodies, with
prominent eyestalks... Pistol Shrimps are more laterally compressed, not
very large and have one longer, cylindrical claw... very different
appearing. Both can/will eat hermits and snails>
Finally, if I'm
better off without the pistol, how do I get rid of it? It has grown
some since I set up the tank. By the way, I use the Berlin system which
seems to be working well. I also have a banded coral shrimp and a
cleaner shrimp. Possible culprits in the disappearing snails and
crabs? Thanks, Jim >>
<Best to bait out these animals
with something meaty on a stout string/line... toward night time, or use
a "live rodent trap" made of plastic (sold at large hardware stores)...
and Yes, if hungry enough cleaners, including Stenopus will eat snails,
hermits. Bob Fenner>
- Hungry, Hungry Pistol Shrimp -
<Greetings, JasonC here...>
Ok, so my Pistol Shrimp is feasting on my
hermit crabs... I would like to have crabs and keep my Pistol
Shrimp. I noticed some bright red crabs at an aquarium today. The
looked like bright red peppers on legs. I think the pet store had them
labeled as Halloween Crabs??? I don't know what they were, couldn't
find them in your listing. Any idea of what they were? <Not really,
this name 'Halloween crabs' is used on several types of crabs that I
have seen... and they're not all the same. Perhaps ask the people at
that store if they have the Latin name for those crabs.> They are larger
than my hermit crabs but smaller than my emerald crabs. Where the
emerald crabs are flat bodied... these were 'pepper' shaped?? Any idea
what these are? <Nope.> I think that being a bit larger that perhaps my
Pistol Shrimp wouldn't attack them? <I don't think so, your Alpheid
[snapping shrimp] has superior firepower, if you know what I mean.> If I
bought a few of these and let my remaining hermit crabs become lunch...
would that do the trick?? <I don't think so.> What are your thoughts??
<Your best bet is to offer the shrimp some food directly, perhaps frozen
shrimp or other meaty food. If it is satiated, then perhaps it will be
less likely to look elsewhere for food.> Would these new red crabs
conflict with my emerald crabs or coral banded shrimp? <Hard to predict.
I don't really trust any crab much farther than I can throw it.>
Dave
<Cheers, J -- >
Pistol Shrimp is having $1.75 lunches...
Simple question... I've had plenty of small blue-legged hermit crabs
and a Pistol Shrimp for close to 3 months now. Just over the last week
have caught my Pistol Shrimp on 4 occasions snatching a small hermit
crab and
pulling him under a rock into his cave. Is this normal?
<Not unusual>
Is he eating them? - dumb question? What do Pistol
Shrimps usually eat? Is there something I can do to stop this?
Dave
<They (Alpheids) consume most meaty items. Either removing it/them or
their food is prudent. Bob Fenner>
Pistol Shrimp & Gobies Pairs
How are you guys doing?
<Very well!>
Fine I hope. How aggressive
are pistol shrimp?
<Mine only bother someone who tries to hide in
their burrow.>
Looking to buy a goby/shrimp combo but I don't want
him eating more expensive dinners than I do.
<Given enough room
and hiding spots, they are pretty peaceful, keeping to themselves, but
mine have killed about a half dozen animals over the course of the four
years I have had them. Two Cleaner Shrimp right after they were
introduced darted down into the Pistol Shrimps' home. Snap, snap, snap,
I never saw the Cleaners again. Also, a few small fishes when I have
been rearranging rock or adding corals, basically disturbing things. The
fish got scared and tried to hide on the other end of the tank. Note,
that my shrimp do not have a Goby living with them. Perhaps the Goby
would have prevented the other fish from entering the cave. -Steven Pro>
Moose & Squirrel? Nope, Goby & Shrimp... (04/18/03)
Thank you in
advance for any assistance you might provide....
<Ananda the goby-fan
here tonight...>
I am looking for a scientific name of a partner goby
that I have in my tank.
<Detective work is fun...!>
It was
called a "Yasser Haji" goby.... who knows if the spelling is good or
even accurate.
<Well, Mr. Arafat would agree with the spelling of
Yasser, and others might like the spelling of Haji, but the gobies sure
don't know why they're saddled with such a name... nor do I. So far,
Google searches on any combination of "Yasser", "Haji", and "goby" are
turning up nothing.>
He appears to be very similar to a Stonogobiops
nematodes, although he has horizontal red stripes on a white background
with a mottled red and white face. He has the same filamentous fin. It
appears to extend almost as long as his body, which is less than 2"
long. He also has a yellowish tail fin.
<Ah, now we're getting
somewhere. In Scott Michael's book "Marine Fishes", the Stonogobiops
nematodes is on p. 355. Flipping the page, I see what I think is your
fish, listed as "Stonogobiops sp." on p. 356. The "sp." designation
means it hadn't been given a species designation yet. But Fishbase.org
has a handy search feature. A search on the genus "Stonogobiops" shows
two interesting entries: "Stonogobiops sp.", and "Stonogobiops yasha".
More interestingly, the latter is considered the correct name for the
former. The detailed entry page has no photo, but the description fits.
A quick check of the remaining Stonogobiops listings, and I'm fairly
certain that S. yasha is the fish. The species name was given in 2001,
after the book Marine Fishes was written, so that fits, too.>
I had
his partner too but it has apparently died during a molt. It was a
brilliant red and white also and had the characteristics of a mantis
shrimp, approximately 1" long.
<Fishbase lists Alpheus randalli as
this fish's shrimp partner. A quick Google search on "Alpheus randalli"
turns up web pages with photos of both the shrimp *and* the goby! And a
couple of pages show the goby clearly labeled as Stonogobiops yasha. (I
must make one clarification comment -- the A. randalli shrimp does not
have the characteristics of a mantis shrimp, but of a pistol shrimp. In
fact, the common name of your shrimp is the Randall's snapping shrimp.
Many people mistake the very loud popping noise of pistol shrimp for a
noise made by a mantis shrimp, but most mantis shrimp are actually
rather quiet. Well, until you give them some food.... but that's another
topic.)>
Any information I can provide I will.... and thank you.
David Snider
<Thanks for writing -- I now know the species name of
this cute little goby. --Ananda>
Pistol shrimp
Hi guys,
<Hello David>
We have one pistol shrimp in our fish only tank.
Right now he has what looks like the remains of a hermit crab in his
barnacle home.
Do they prey on hermits? Or did the hermit die before
and the shrimp just carried off the rest?
<Could be either... there
are Pistols/Alpheids that can/will attack, eat small Hermits. Bob
Fenner>
Thanks,
David and Christy
Pistol Shrimp(s)
Hello,
I started my reef keeping experience with a Randall's shrimp
goby. <My favorite shrimp goby!> After hunting for a pistol shrimp for
months I finally came across one in a local pet store (right under my
nose) It was a Tiger (Bellulus). Within a half hour of adding the pistol
shrimp to the aquarium the goby and shrimp were best of friends, but
alas, about 3 months later my goby died (my first and thankfully last
fish death in all this time). I soon picked up a very nice male Yellow
Watchman and the pistol shrimp took to it immediately. <Fickle those
shrimps are, aye?> I guess my point here is that in my own experience
and in all the articles I've read at other places on the net it seems to
be a theme that Alpheus Bellulus (Tiger Pistol Shrimp) is one of the
most readily goby pairing shrimps available (or maybe I just got really
lucky) <Yep, they're pretty slick like that.>
Anyways, about 6 months
ago I witnessed to my horror that my tiger pistol shrimp (which I had
been keeping for nearly two years at this point) was lying on his back
just outside his burrow, molting and looking very sickly with Bob (my
yellow watchman) looking on apparently in as much dismay as me. Not
knowing what to do I just let him be and crossed my fingers. I think my
hermits finished him off in the night. <Bummer, you might want to check
your iodine levels as a potential cause for a molting death> Being
unable to obtain a Tiger pistol locally I started looking on the net -
where I found a Alpheus soror (Clown or Bullseye Pistol) I am curious to
see if my Yellow Watchman and this species will hit it off or not. I
have been very unable to find any info on this species on the net
(particularly info on what goby species it likes to bunk up with) and
would love any info you guys could give me. <In most books this shrimp
isn't even ID'd to the species level> In any case I'll find out if the
two will enjoy each others company very soon as my Bullseye Pistol will
be here today before 4:30 CST via FedEx = ) <Heh, well I suppose you can
tell us now! I'd say it's likely, but not as likely as the rather easy
going tiger pistol. -Kevin>
Thanks and good luck to all.
Preventative Pistol Precautions 1/13/04
Hi Crew,
<howdy>
I
was considering getting a pistol shrimp (possibly a pistol-goby pair)
but, after watching the Discovery Channel I am now a bit worried.
<there is a wide range of hardiness suitability for aquarium use among
this group... choose wisely>
I watched the pistol shrimp use its claw
to stun, then eat a variety of fish. Would my tank become a "shrimp
buffet" if I added one of these little creatures? The smallest animals
in my 180 gallon tank are a pair of maroon clowns, a royal Gramma and a
few hundred hermits and snails. I also have three small yellow tail
damsels but the shrimp can have them if he wants them!
<many pistols
are quite territorial... more of a threat to other benthic crustaceans
(like shrimp) than fishes>
I am actually trying to find a way to get
rid of these damsels (they are attacking the royal Gramma). Any
suggestions for this?
<they are greedy and can be trapped a number
of ways. Do manipulate keyword phrases to fin FAQs in our archives via
the google search tool on the home page. Some great ideas for
fish/invert traps inside>
I am even considering adding a lionfish or
something that might eat only these small fish (leaving my clowns alone)
- ala "the lady who swallowed a fly".
<neither the pistol nor the
lion is a viable solution. Trap instead. Even drain and refill the tank
quickly (15 minutes with a sump pump and some garbage cans/pickle
barrel) to net the fish easier>
Thank you for the help - it is
greatly appreciated as always! -- Greg
<best of luck. Anthony>
Red Coris versus Pistol Shrimp
Hi again,
<Hello there>
Red
Coris versus Pistol Shrimp.... who will win?
<My money's nine to one
on the Coris... as a matter of fact, I was just down at Ka'alu'u Beach a
few days back turning stones over to see what there was to see... and a
beautiful pistol shrimp was under one... I whipped my camera around...
but too late... A Coris gaimard that was following me about, to see what
there was to see under the rocks this crazy "bi-fin" was turning,
snapped it right up!>
There's a Pistol Shrimp hiding out in my 130
litre tank... I'd rather he packed his bags and left, but I'm not game
to try to evict him.... and for 6 months he hasn't caused anyone any
trouble (to my absolute knowledge). I - stupidly - believed
everything I was told yesterday at the LFS - must have had 'sucker'
written on my forehead - and came home with a 4cm Coris Gaimard. He's
currently hiding under the marine sand... now I've researched him on
your site - thank God for decent information - and realize the task
ahead of me to keep him happy. (I've also just suffered the loss of a
favourite seahorse in the other tank due to massive bad information from
this LFS... so very sad today.)
<Live and hopefully learn>
Meantime - is the Pistol Shrimp a threat to him?
<Doubtful>
Also -
is he a threat to the other tankmates: anemone and pair of clowns; 1
damsel; 1 flame angel; 1 canary wrasse; 1 blenny (he looks most like
your picture of Salarias fasciatus, I asked for a bi-colour to eat the
algae and was told he would do the same job); 1 sea cucumber (also
bought yesterday).
<Mmm, only time will tell... but I give you very
good odds for many months that they'll all get along>
Should I try to
return him to the LFS? Thanks for your help.
Regards, Wendy
<Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: Red Coris versus Pistol Shrimp
Thanks! Maybe the God of marine creatures was helping me after all...
the little red may solve the pistol dilemma. Lots of smiles
Thanks. Wendy
<You're generating them here! Bob Fenner>
Pistol Shrimp
I did something stupid! <Hi Jason, Don't sweat it
we all have at one time or another, what's up?> I have a 29 gallon fully
stocked reef with many soft and hard corals, clams and other filter
feeders. I have a handful of small fish - a mandarin, a yasha goby, an
orange spotted goby, a long nose Hawkfish, 2 clowns and a little blenny.
the community was doing incredibly well until lately, when I decided to
get a couple of pistol shrimp. first I ordered one, then I ordered what
I thought was 2 different ones, and somehow received 3, so now I have a
whopping 4 pistol shrimps (3 tigers and 1 cool red one) in a 29 gallon
tank. I had to screw up a good thing. how do I trap a couple of them?
<There are several mantis or shrimp traps you can buy or make out there.
Most are very easy. I'd suggest you start with the pistol shrimp
information
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pistolshrimps.htm> and how screwed am I?
<It depends on what you were trying to do and what you want to do now.>
so far one of the goby's is trying to pair with two of the pistols, but
they seem to dominate him (they are approximately the same size, which
may be a problem). <Its good that they are trying to pair.> 2 of the
tiger pistols burrowed together in a little corner under a rock with
about 2 inches of sand, and seem satisfied. will they eat my brittle
stars? <Not trying to be wishywashy here but depends on the shrimps. And
what kind of "tiger shrimp" they are.> I almost hope so, I've had a
feeling that they were responsible for eating some of my fish in the
past while they were sleeping.<If the brittles are green brittles you
should get them out of the tank. Most other types of brittle stars
should be okay.> if not and I put some harlequin shrimp in to eat the
brittle stars, will the pistols kill the brittle stars? <That depends on
a lot of things including how much the pistols are getting fed.> will
these pistols shrimps hold me hostage from here on in? I really want to
trap at least 2 of them and I'll most likely put them in another tank I
have. help! <Try this,
http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/DIY/diyMantisTrap.shtml, or
this
http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/pest/catch.htm, Good luck, MacL>
Pistol shrimp
Hi there,
I have several species of pistol
shrimp in a 150 gallon reef tank. I have a pair of yellow ones with
purple claws with a black spot on their sides.
<Hmm, I
think I've seen this species before but not sure what the exact name
is. I'm reasonably sure it's in the genus Alpheus though, but I've
never seen it partnered with a goby like some pistols do.>
Can you
please tell me some info on these. Do they eat fish? Snails?
<If
they can catch sick or dying fish, maybe. They could also be killing
snails if they're not being fed well enough.>
I have been
mysteriously losing fish, and found the skull of my chevron tang in a
hole with one of these shrimps.
<Not necessarily meaning it killed
the fish of course. it may have been eating the carcass>
I do not
think I have a mantis shrimp, because I still have snails, and all my
smaller fish - gobies and quite a few cleaner and blood shrimps. I have
lost a pygmy angel, flame angel, chevron tang, twin spot hog, just to
name a few.
<I doubt a pistol could dispatch a full grown fish of
this size. It sounds like you could have something else going on in
your tank. Do you have other fish that are still living? Corals? What
are your water parameters?>
any info on these shrimps would be
greatly appreciated.
<The only species I've kept purposely is A.
randalli, a goby symbiont. My experience was that it would snap at just
about anything in front of it, but rarely did damage to anything larger
than an amphipod. I kept this one with several small gobies without any
problems. I also kept a larger tank with several pistol shrimps as
hitchhikers. I rarely ever saw them, but heard them snapping. This
tank housed a Kole tang, two small clownfish, and a damsel. No problems
there either. Hope this helps..>
thank you
From the
desk of Graham Bishop
Pistol Shrimp and Featherduster Worm
Meals
I've read that Pistol Shrimps will generally get along with
other invertebrates if they are well fed.
<Yes, this is so>
I've
had my Pistol Shrimp now for two years. At one point, I had
approximately 60 blue-legged hermits. They have
been disappearing
quite rapidly... down to about 15 now within one year. As well, two
different Mithrax Crabs have disappeared. The Pistol Shrimp typically
resides in a particular area of the live rock.
<Also common>
A few
of the crevices where different rocks meet... have been piled with
hermit crab shells, snail shells, and even one Mithrax shell. It has
been suggested to me by a knowledgeable staff member at Big Al's
Aquarium that this is a sure sign of my Pistol Shrimp preying on my
snails/crabs... that he is 'decorating' his lair?
<Or just lazy re
clean-up after meals...>
As well, my brittle or serpent stars seem to
perish within a month... arms broken off (I'm assuming eaten as opposed
to fallen off due to water quality).
<Perhaps>
If I am keeping my
tank at a consistent salinity of .0024 (not sure of the decimals),
temperature a constant 26oc, other parameters are good.... Should my
blue-legged's and hermits be perishing without the assistance of my
Pistol Shrimp???
<Maybe, maybe not>
In any event, I have captured
my Pistol Shrimp (4 hours of live rock removal) and returned him to Big
Al's for an exchange. On another note, I did exchange the Shrimp for a
few creatures... including a feather duster. The feather duster is quite
large... about 3" diameter fan... I placed him at the bottom of the tank
in the sand next to some live rock. I couldn't find any information on
best locations to place other than embedded in rock work or sandbed. I
guess if he doesn't like the location he will move?
<Mmm, no>
I
plan on shutting off powerheads/filtration for about an hour during my
feedings and will likely target feed the feather duster with a syringe
with brine/minced krill/blood worm mixture (it's a liquid). I did notice
my Coral Banded Shrimp snipped a very tiny piece of his fan off...
brought the piece of fan to his mouth... and then proceeded to leave the
feather duster alone. I am hoping he was just curious and will now leave
the feather duster alone?
<Me too>
If being harmed, would the
feather duster retract?
<Usually yes>
Thanks,
Dave
<Welcome.
Bob Fenner>
Pistol shrimp with other shrimp 6/6/05
Hey
there, I think I will go with the tiger pistol shrimp, but I am not sure
if it can peacefully exist with my 2 cleaner shrimp and a peppermint
shrimp. Do you think they will be ok? thanks again! <Pistol shrimp with
other shrimp can be risky. Although not predatory, Pistol shrimp will
aggressively defend their territory against other shrimps, crabs, even
fish (other than their "watchmen")! Best Regards. AdamC.>
Alpheids, polychaetes
Hi again Mr. Fenner! Would a pistol shrimp
be of some use in controlling bristle worms population or not really
noticeably?
Thanks!
Dominique
<The latter. Bob Fenner>
Pistol Shrimp 1/27/06
Bob, <James today>
I have a
30 gallon oceanic cube, which has just completed cycling. I have 10
scarlet hermit crabs, a few blue legged hermits, a serpent star, 5
Nassarius snails, 5 Astraea snails, 2 turbo snails, 2 peppermint shrimp,
2 Pederson's shrimps, 1 skunk cleaner, and an emerald crab. I also have
a pair of percula's and a pygmy angel. I'm considering adding later
either a Coral Branded Shrimp or a Pistol/Goby combination. I'm leaning
away from the Coral Banded because the size and shape of the tank will
probably make his territoriality an issue. I'd love to get a pistol
goby pair, I've seen them in larger tanks and it is just neat. I've
heard on a few websites that pistol shrimp themselves may be a danger to
my other inhabitants. However, I have been able to find who are likely
victims of a pistol shrimp. Are there any species of pistol shrimp
which are less dangerous than others? <Size usually dictates this.>
Also, is there anyone on my list who's a potential victim? <Shouldn't
pose any threat with the exception of smaller shrimp and very small
fish. I have a pistol in my tank sharing quarters with a scarlet
cleaner shrimp, snails, hermits, etc, with no harm done. James (Salty
Dog)>
Sincerely,
Derek
Pistol shrimp and firefish
1/19/06
Hello crew,
I recently 'bumped into' the topic of
mantis and pistol shrimps while looking for other info on the site. I
have a 75 gallon FOWLR. 1- 3" Naso Tang, 1- 3" Coral Beauty Angel and
1-Firefish, and 1-Emerald Crab with about 6 small hermit crabs. I
placed my first well-cured live rock into the display tank about 3
months ago. A 14# piece completely encrusted with coralline and very
craggy and porous. I lost a coral banded shrimp and probably 2 or 3
small hermits but no fish over the past 2 months or so. I have never
seen any other creatures day or night in my tank besides the ones I
purchased. I now know that the loud clicking I have heard on and off
is likely a pistol or mantis. Yesterday I performed the club soda
method with a baster and also just poured some over the rock but I
heard and saw nothing. Since the Emerald crab and other fish have been
untouched and the clicking can be heard when tank lights are on
that maybe it is a pistol shrimp rather than a mantis (pretty
unscientific but my hunch after reading all these posts plus additional
research).
My firefish has a nice little cave where some
base rock meets the substrate. Would the Pistol shrimp's
friendly relationship towards some gobies extend to a firefish and
maybe he is living in the cave with him? <Possible, but generally only
associate/share with gobies as the goby does shake the tail and warn the
shrimp of any impending danger. I have this relationship going on in my
tank and it is quite amusing.> Secondly, I would like to know if
you think I should continue to pursue this unseen/unidentified culprit
before adding more rock and fish and eventually convert to a reef
sometime in the future? <Mark, I'm thinking you have a pistol
shrimp. The mantis shrimp is audible only during a strike at prey
whereas the pistol will click whenever threatened. It is the incredible
speed of the club like front leg that generates the sound. Super high
speed video actually translated the speed to 75 feet per second along
with the impact generating well over 100x their body weight. To be sure
you could set up a mantis trap and see what you catch. James (Salty
Dog)>
Thanks for the help,<You're welcome>
Mark
Re:
Pistol shrimp and firefish 1/20/06
Thank you Mr.
Sodium canine,<My, what a title>
To clarify then, if I end up
trapping a pistol shrimp I should remove him (her?) rather than keep in
the tank? <They are safe.> And definitely remove a mantis if that turns
out to be the noise maker? <Definitely> Do you personally have
a preference for trap types? <I've never had the need to use one so I
have no preferences. Foster&Smith sells one called the X-Terminator
that looks like it would work well for $16.00.>
Thanks again,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog aka Sodium Canine)>
Mark
Pistol Shrimp/Trapping - 3/1/2006
Hello crew, <Hi
Mark> You have helped me in the past and I am looking for some
additional advice now. I have the following:- 75 gallon FOWLR with
about 40 lbs of live rock. I use 100% RO water.- ~ 1" of aragonite (I
am working this down during water changes to be closer to 1/2")- Remora
Pro skimmer- Eheim 2217 canister filter- Rio 1100 powerhead- 1 each -
Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica), emerald crab (Mithrax sculptus),
Coral Beauty Dwarf Angel (Centropyge Bispinosus), Blue Tang
(Paracanthurus hepatus), Raccoon Butterfly (Chaetodon lunula) and 3
Green Chromis (Chromis viridis) .......and apparently one pistol shrimp
(shrimpis yuckis) I have been trying to trap this bugger by using a trap
with Mysis shrimp bait. How long should I wait before changing the bait
with fresh shrimp? <I’d say three days.> Do you think the pistol will be
interested in the bait if it is beyond it's 'freshness date'? <Sure,
they are scavengers and take what they can get.> Is there something
else I can/should try as bait? <It’s fine.> I would really like to add
some cleaner shrimps but will not until I know this guy is gone. I lost
a coral banded shrimp which is when I made the connection about the
clicking sounds. <Are you sure this is a pistol shrimp and not a mantis
shrimp? Pistols are relatively safe in reef tanks.> Also, my emerald
crab became very reclusive after I started adding iodine (8 drops a day)
about 3 weeks ago. I started adding it because he had never molted in
the 6 months I've owned him. Also, if I do get a chance to see him, his
shell has become more and more white. Is this part of molting or should
I just discontinue the iodine? <The crab has to grow to molt. Maybe he
isn’t getting enough vittles. The iodine present in reef enriched salts
should be enough to help with the molt, wouldn’t have to full dose with
the iodine in this regard.>
Thanks in advance for your
help. <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Mark
Pistol
Shrimp 3/23/06
Hi! <Hello Tanya>
I have a question on pistol shrimp. I was wondering if there was an
actual list of pistol shrimps that are compatible with shrimp gobies .
There are some obvious ones like Randall shrimp, and Alpheus sp, and
candy striped pistol shrimp, and tiger pistol shrimp, But I was just
wondering if there were more pistol shrimp that have shown some
symbiotic relationship with gobies, perhaps just hasn't been documented
or maybe there's just only 4 pistol shrimps that are compatible in the
ocean with gobies. Please help me find more symbiotic pistol shrimps
for my gobies. <Do keep in mind that the goby and shrimp relationship
is not automatic. If conditions are to their liking they may hole up
together. My pair took four months before they got together. Anyway,
there are a few on our site which I believe you have already
covered. Here is a link to another site with ten more species. http://www.saltcorner.com/1024/index1024.htm Clicking
on the name will give a detailed description and usually a photo of the
shrimp in question.>
Thanks <You're
welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Shrimp goby + pistol
shrimp questions - 04/05/2006
Hi!
<Howdy>
I was
thinking about adding either a blue-spotted Jawfish to my reef or a
shrimp goby with his pistol shrimp. I decided to forget about the
Jawfish because it's a jumper.
<Most all fishes, groups are>
Some people told me it wasn't true and they never had one jumping but I
guess they were just lucky, right?
<Perhaps>
A few things make
me hesitate about the shrimp + goby pair. I have been looking in my book
Reef Invertebrates and on the WWM but I am still unsure. My tank is a 90
gal open top with 5" sugar fine DSB. To be more specific, here are the
four shrimp gobies I am thinking about: Randall's, Wheeler's, hi-fin red
banded, yasha.
Maybe you can advice me if some are more suitable (in
my case it would mean most likely to pair with a shrimp and less likely
to jump out of the tank).
Apart from jumping and pairing here are
some other questions/concerns: -Noise from the pistol shrimp. I heard
everything from "can hear it from the other end of the house and
annoying when you try to sleep" to "little clicking noise you hear from
time to time, not a concern at all." Is it really a concern?
<Not
IMO>
-On one reply on the WWM it is said that they can accommodate
themselves and dig in any kind of substrate even uniform sugar-fine DSB.
But should I add some rubble then?
<I would, yes... Makes for more
interesting behavior>
Don't want to add too much of it because I
think the fighting conch wouldn't appreciate...
-Can the pistol
shrimp really pose a threat to other small crustaceans (sexy shrimps),
small fishes (clown goby, mandarin), or the fighting conch (nicknamed
Mr. Elephant...) in a 90 gal system?
<Yes, can... if hungry>
-The digging of the shrimp should not be a problem for the corals or
clams located toward the bottom (covering them with sand) if I place
things correctly I guess. But can it mess up the DSB/NNR methodology?
<Can mal-influence this, yes. Best to place a screen/barrier some
distance/layer down to prevent it digging too deep. Bob Fenner>
Many
many tanks !
Dominique
Pipefish and Pistol Shrimp
6/25/06 -
Hi Bob,
<Hi there, Leslie in for Bob this
evening.>
I was just wondering if its safe to keep a pair of
bluestripe pipefish in a tank with a pistol shrimp?
<Not in my
opinion. The only shrimp I would consider with any of the syngnathids
would be a few of the cleaner shrimp….. Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata
wurdemanni), Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata debelius) or the
White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) .>Thanks. <You're
most welcome, Leslie>
Pistol shrimp and Jawfish, comp., esp.
Alpheids 5/16/07
Hello,
<Hi there>
I seem to be having a turf war in my tank...
<Very common... more
common than not...>
or rather an invasion. Two days ago my Jawfish
left the
burrow he's lived in for the last year and moved to the far
end of my 55 gal. tank. I noticed that his caudal fin was
split. Luckily he made himself a new burrow almost immediately. Today
his tail is almost entirely healed and he's working on a new burrow
behind a convenient rock. While I was watching him dig this new burrow,
I saw a pistol shrimp (about 1.5-2 in) had set up shop in the abandoned
Jawfish burrow (I'm assuming the shrimp is responsible for the Jawfish's
evacuation).
<May well be>
Not only that, but the shrimp had dug
himself several new entrances and exits and had also evicted my 2"
hi-fin goby (Stonogobiops nematodes).
<Luckily not consumed (yet)>
Now I'm worried that there just doesn't seem to be enough room for
everyone.
The shrimp's warren extends across nearly 1/2 of the tank
floor and includes the prime territory (well, prime at least from the
human observer's point of view).
<Good point>
My top
priority is making sure that my Jawfish to be injured again.
Even
so, I'm a big fan of pistol shrimp. In my other tank I have a mated
pair of yellow watchman gobies with a Randall's shrimp and the trio are
definitely the highlight of the tank. This pistol, however, is a
different and larger species, although I'm not sure which. I've looked
over the FAQs and articles, all of which indicate that pistol shrimp are
*generally* peaceful and *should* be harmless.
<Uhh, no... or at
least would have to chat with you re your definitions of these terms...
Alpheids are territorial, agonistic... alpha organisms>
The pistol
shrimp isn't bothering my other two shrimp, a fire red cleaner and a
peppermint (which have never had difficulties with Jawfish
either). Should I trap the pistol shrimp out, just to be on the safe
side?
<I likely would>
I've been thinking of setting up a small
tank (maybe just a 10 gal.?) for my second, smaller hi-fin goby because
he doesn't seem to be very happy in the 55, spending most of his time
hiding behind a powerhead, so maybe I should move the pistol into that
tank?
<Mmm, I would likely keep these separated... unless you can be
very diligent in making sure the Shrimp is well-fed>
If so, would I
still be able to keep the little high-fin in there, too?
<Not IMO/E>
Thanks for your help!
-Lisa
<Perhaps better to put the Pistol in
a sump... Bob Fenner>
Pistol Shrimp... A Soldier I Will Be...Two Pistols On My Goby 12/4/07
Hey guys,
<Got a gal today.>
I really relish all the info on your
site and had a question of my own for once.
<Glad you have found the
site helpful.>
I was considering buying a Randall’s shrimp goby
(Amblyeleotris randalli) and a snapping shrimp (Alpheus bellulus) for my
20gal.
<OK.>
Then I saw a video of two snapping shrimp working for
one goby and was like sick!!!
<Heehee! Sweet!>
How do I get two
shrimp to work for the same goby?
<Have you heard the idiom "You can
leading a horse to water"? You can provide the environment/circumstance
but you can't make the shrimp do something that it doesn't have a mind
to do. Best you can do is try it.>
Thanks for doing this for
everyone!
<On behalf of Bob and the crew, all are welcome. Mich>
