Japanese Pistol Shrimp - Alpheus bisincisus - Small

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The Japanese Pistol Shrimp (Alpheuus bisincisus) has a deep pinkish-red body with white on the tips of its claws and on the end of each body segment. They are also known as the Flathead Pistol Shrimp.

Pistol shrimp get their name from the loud popping sound they can make by quickly opening or closing their specially adapted claws. This is used as a defense mechanism to frighten off would-be predators and, unlike the Mantis Shrimp they are sometimes confused with, they are harmless to most tankmates.

Pistol shrimp are scavengers and carnivores. They can be target-fed with small meaty foods occasionally but they will also feed on leftover food in the aquarium. They can be kept with most fish that will not prey on them but should not be kept with small shrimp or lobsters.

Watchman or Shrimpgobies often form symbiotic relationships with certain types of Pistol Shrimp. They will prepare a den and mutually occupy it, sharing food and maintenance duties, and the protection of the burrow. The interactions of this relationship is tremendously entertaining, and may be best enjoyed in a small species set-up.