Randall's Pistol Shrimp Care Guide
Alpheus randalli is a small snapping shrimp famous for its burrow-sharing symbiosis with prawn gobies, using one enlarged claw to snap.
Overview
Alpheus randalli is a snapping shrimp of the family Alpheidae growing to about 3 cm. It is white to transparent with red bands and spots on the rostrum and both claws, and red-and-white banding on the abdomen. One claw is greatly enlarged and can snap, while the rostrum is about one and a half times as long as it is wide.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alpheidae
- Genus: Alpheus
- Scientific name: Alpheus randalli
- Authority: Banner & Banner, 1980
Habitat
The species is found in the Marquesas Islands and parts of the Indian Ocean, including the Seychelles, and was originally described from about 18 m depth. It excavates an extensive multi-entrance burrow in sandy or silty seabed.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Substrate: deep sand/rubble bed for burrowing
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
Alpheus randalli functions mainly as a detritus feeder, taking organic material from the sediment it excavates. In aquaria it scavenges small meaty foods, fed about once a day.
Compatibility
Its hallmark is a close symbiosis with shrimp gobies such as Randall's prawn goby (Amblyeleotris randalli). The near-blind shrimp builds and maintains the burrow while the goby keeps watch and signals danger; both retreat inside at night. It is reef-safe and peaceful but should be kept away from hawkfish, triggerfish and large wrasses.