Red Spotted Pistol Shrimp care guide

Red Spotted Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus rubromaculatus) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.

Overview

Red Spotted Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus rubromaculatus) is a marine pistol (snapping) shrimp of the family Alpheidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Pistol shrimp with red spotting on pale body. Less common in trade, prized by reef enthusiasts for goby symbiosis displays.

Taxonomy

Family: Alpheidae
Genus: Alpheus
Scientific name: Alpheus rubromaculatus
Common synonyms: Red Spotted Pistol

Habitat

Alpheus pistol (snapping) shrimp are alpheid crustaceans of tropical reefs and sand flats 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-documented 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, locating carrion and organic particles around the substrate and burrow; in aquaria it readily takes sinking pellets and meaty frozen foods and helps clear uneaten food from the sand bed.

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 an extended planktonic larval stage in open water before the young settle, which makes captive reproduction very difficult and rarely accomplished in home aquaria. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-collected.