Pistol Shrimp - Article On Keeping The Interesting Pistol Shrimp

There are as much as 500 hundred types of pistol shrimp acknowledged thus far however only a handful that reach the marine tank hobby with any reliability. Some even come in as hitchhikers on live rock. Not a large shrimp, pistol shrimp generally come in sizes ranging from one to three inches.

Every pistol shrimp have one (Or sometimes two) jumbo claw that generate a cavitation bubble as it snaps shut. Temperatures rivaling the sun are achieved by this snapping motion. The infamous popping noise that is produced as a result of this action is also heard.

Their claws are used for both offence and defence. While they can use it on their prey (small shrimp) they are also known as outstanding scavengers in the marine tank. They usually construct burrows in the sand and have been known to burrow beneath the live rock. This poses a danger to your marine aquarium. Damage to the aquarium may possibly be inflicted if the rock that is being burrowed under is not correctly set in place. Their penchant for keeping the sand clean however, more than makes up for having to secure the whole rock structure.

Marine sponges have been renowned to be associated via some species of pistol shrimp. More surprisingly, these shrimp have been known to develop symbiotic relationships with several members of the goby family. The genus alpheus of the pistol shrimp family houses mainly goby symbionts.

Both parties profit from the association. Pistol shrimp are almost blind and rely on goby’s to warn them to any danger that may well be heading their way. This is done through resting its antennae on the goby’s tail and body. The shrimp rapidly retreats into the tunnel should it detect any rapid movements from the goby. Burrows are built buy the shrimp for both of them, offering a benefit to the goby. In the wild, the pistol shrimp usually goes about its business underneath the watchful gaze of its goby symbiont. The goby on the other hand, feeds on passing plankton brought as a result of the oceans currents.

Pistol Shrimp as well as the Peacock Mantis Shrimp are mutually touched on in the authors respective hubpages. For additional facts on these fascinating shrimp, kindly drop by.