Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Bellulus) care guide
Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Bellulus) (Alpheus bellulus) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Bellulus) (Alpheus bellulus) is a marine pistol (snapping) shrimp of the family Alpheidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Most common 'Tiger Pistol' in the trade with bold black-and-tan banding. Forms classic symbiosis with shrimp gobies in shared burrow.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alpheidae
- Genus: Alpheus
- Scientific name: Alpheus bellulus
- Common synonyms: Tiger Pistol Bellulus, Symbiosis 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 Indo-Pacific.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 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 Shrimp gobies. 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.