Banded Pistol Shrimp care guide
Banded Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus armillatus) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
Banded Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus armillatus) is a marine pistol (snapping) shrimp of the family Alpheidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Caribbean pistol shrimp with red-banded body. Less commonly pairs with gobies than Indo-Pacific species; usually solitary.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alpheidae
- Genus: Alpheus
- Scientific name: Alpheus armillatus
- Common synonyms: Caribbean Pistol Shrimp
Habitat
Alpheus pistol (snapping) shrimp are reef and sand-flat alpheids that bear one greatly enlarged claw. Snapping the claw produces a cavitation bubble and a loud pop used to stun prey and deter rivals; many species share a burrow with a partner goby in a well-known symbiosis. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Caribbean, Western Atlantic.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-5 cm
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- KH: 8-12 °dKH
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The species is a scavenger, feeding on detritus, small invertebrates and organic particles collected around its burrow; in aquaria it readily takes sinking pellets and frozen foods.
Compatibility
The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as peaceful. Suitable tank mates include Reef fish. It should be kept away from Predatory fish. It pairs naturally with a partner goby that shares and guards its burrow.
Breeding
Breeding requires a planktonic larval stage, generally in brackish or marine water, which makes captive reproduction very difficult and rarely achieved in home aquaria.