Pistol Shrimp - Family Alpheidae

Critter Spotlight: Alpheus randalli

Photo Credit: edge-of-reef.com

Even though there are a number of different members in this family, they all make the same noise, a sound similar to a 22 caliber shot. Hence their name "Pistol Shrimp." They do so by snapping the fingers of their single, yet exceptionally large claw. Most are very small, less than 2 inches (4 cm) or less in body length. They are nocturnal creatures, usually hiding during the day under a rock until dusk. At night they come out and search for food and use the large claw to either scare away intruders or shock/stun other mealtime small crustaceans. Usually come in on live rock and the only way you'll ever know one is in your aquarium is by hearing these single shot sounds, probably when you are trying to sleep! Some live in a symbiotic relationship with watchman gobies.

Alpheus

• Alpheus armatus (Pistol Shrimp)
• Alpheus bellulus (Pretty Snapping Shrimp)
• Alpheus bisincisus (Red/Tiger Snapping Shrimp)
• Alpheus djeddensis (Dijibouti Pistol Shrimp)
• Alpheus immaculatus (Anemone Pistol Shrimp)
• Alpheus ochrostriatus (Fine-Striped Snapping Shrimp)
• Alpheus pacificus (Snapping Shrimp)
• Alpheus randalli (Randall's Pistol Shrimp)
• Alpheus rubromaculatus (Red Spotted Snapping Shrimp)
• Alpheus soror (Clown/Bullseye Snapping Shrimp)

Synalpheus

• Synalpheus carinatus (Phantom Snapping Shrimp)
• Synalpheus demani (De Man's Snapping Shrimp)
• Synalpheus stimpsoni (Snapping Shrimp)