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Home > Marine Inverts & Plants > Shrimp > Tiger Snapping Shrimp
Tiger Snapping Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus)
Tiger Snapping Shrimp
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Tiger Snapping Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus)

Quick Stats

Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Red, White
Diet Carnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size 3"
Family Alpheidae
Supplements Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Red, White
Diet Carnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size 3"
Family Alpheidae
Supplements Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Tiger Snapping Shrimp may also be called Symbiosis Shrimp and Snapping Shrimp. The body is tan with rust colored broken stripes running across the back. These beneficial shrimp will constantly move gravel making them excellent sand stirrers in the reef aquarium, as well as scavenging any uneaten food.

The sound it makes comes from an appendage on the pincher which moves when the pincher is opened or closed and water is ejected. The Snapping Shrimp can be easily confused with Mantis Shrimp if judged by sound only. Unlike the Mantis Shrimp, it is not harmful and will not pose any threat in the tank, with the possible exception of very small shrimp.

The name Symbiotic Shrimp comes from the equally beneficial relationship the Pistol Shrimp has with gobies (e.g. Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops). The goby, with better eyesight, warns the shrimp of predators. The shrimp share its food with the goby.

Tiger Snapping Shrimp thrive in environments with sand, rock caves, and dim light. If in pairs, one will often stand guard at the burrow while the other is inside. The Pistol Shrimp are intolerant of copper or high nitrate levels, but need a correct level of iodine in the water to promote proper molting.

Snapping Shrimp will accept any meaty freeze-dried and frozen foods and bottom feeder tablets.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: Less than 1"; Medium: 1" to 1-3/4"; Large: 1-3/4" or larger

Customer Testimonials

Nicki D Allen , TX
This is a great pistol shrimp that tends to not hide as much as other pistol shrimp. Mine is paired with a Randall Goby. They are very interesting to watch.
Michael E Pearl River , NY
I previously had one of these tiger pistol shrimps paired with a yellow watchman goby (both from LiveAquaria). The two were very happy together until the shrimp passed on. Recently, I purchased another one of these shrimps to pair up with my sad, yellow goby. Within a day of introducing the new shrimp, the two were together, doing their thing. The goby had purpose again and the shrimp began excavating and constructing all sorts of caves. They always impress me in how they use random shells to help fortify their tunnels!
Cody C Borden , IN
I have this awesome shrimp paired with a Yellow Watchman and the two are constantly moving and digging tunnels throughout my 29 Biocube... I can't get them to stop! I will think that he's satisfied after a few days, but then they'll start right back up again. It certainly is a sight to see... Highly recommend these two
Keith K Anna , OH
Incredible sand mover- put him in a new 120 gal with 100 pounds of live sand that was pretty flat. Within a week we had so many hills and valleys amongst the live rock. Very entertaining to see him move the sand, and amazing how much he can move at a time. Has a great relationship with our yellow watchman goby as well- they share a big cavern under a rock that he has dug- even has two access holes to it. Amazing little shrimp.
1-4 of 4 testimonials

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