The Tiger Pistol Shrimp is great for cleaning up! They will scavenge detritus and algae while churning and aerating the sand, keeping your aquarium healthy. The burrowing habits of the shrimp can destabilize the rockwork, so make sure all rocks are securely rested on the bottom of the tank and not the sand. When they snap their claws, it makes an audible pop, which is where they get their name. The sound acts as a warning sign against predators in the wild. They will eat just about anything they can find in the sand, but be sure to supplement their diet with some frozen meaty foods. Add a pistol shrimp with a watchman/shrimp goby and they will frequently build a symbiotic relationship and share a burrow. These two will take turns maintaining/protecting the cave and the goby can act as an early warning sign for the shrimp when it ventures away from the burrow.
- Add to an aquarium with ample rockwork and deep sandy substrate
- For continued health, supplement with meaty frozen foods
- Prefers higher salinity
- Cannot tolerate copper medications and high nitrates
- Reef safe with caution