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Tiger Pistol Shrimp

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The tiger pistol shrimp is one of two very popular marine pistol shrimp that regularly come into the trade.
They are given the scientific name Alpheus Bellulus.
Generally, they are all white with dark bands throughout their bodies.
They are generally larger than the other popular pistol shrimp, A.
Randalli and can attain sizes of up to three inches in captivity.
They are popular choices among those that wish to rear a pistol plus goby fish pair.
There are a great many species of goby fish that will pair up with this species including the high-finned goby, Yasha Goby, Dracula Goby, Tiger Watchman, diagonal Bar prawn goby just to name a few.
Like all members of the genus Alpheus, this shrimp has one (and sometimes two) large claws that are used to create a large popping noise underwater.
This claw can be used to stun prey as well as defend itself from predators.
They are generally a very affordable marine ornamental species with prices going no higher than 15 dollars.
They are commonly sold in a pair with an existing goby with which is already shares a symbiotic relationship.
They are found throughout the Indo-Pacific and are considered common in the market.
If you wish to pair up this pistol shrimp with a goby on your own, rest assured that such a task is fairly straightforward.
Upon meeting, the two should immediately pair up.
The problem lies in getting them to meet in the first place.
Try to ensure that the pistol shrimp goes into the tank first.
Place it in a area suitable for burrowing such as an island structure or the base of your liverock.
Let it dig around for a while.
When a burrow entrance has been created, it is time to put in the goby.
This is tricky as it involves forcing the goby into the burrow.
A small glass cylinder such as those that come with test kits are perfect.
Simply fill up the cylinder with tank water, insert the goby and use it to direct the fish into the hole.
Another lesser known aspect regarding the tiger pistol shrimp involves the way they live in the wild.
They are the only known crustacean to form elaborate hierarchies among themselves.
They are found living among sponges where the population is divided in castes.
There is evidence to suggest that they divide themselves into soldier and queen castes.
These colonies can sometimes be very large with smaller colonies making up a part of the larger, dominating colony.
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