Pistol Shrimp Alpheus Armathus

The Pistol Shrimp ( Alpheus sp.) is one of the most fascinating invertebrates on the reef. Its oversized claw produces a characteristic snapping sound—the "pistol snap"—as it closes with extraordinary speed, creating a cavitation bubble capable of stunning small prey. It is often found in symbiosis with a Watchman Goby in reef aquariums.

Recommended conditions

• Temperature: 24–27°C — Salinity: 1.023–1.026
• pH: 7.8–8.4 (normal natural day/night fluctuation in a reef tank)
• Minimum sandy substrate 5 cm for digging its burrow — Minimum volume: 100L

Behavior

Actively digs a burrow. Audible clicking outside the enclosure — normal and harmless. Primarily nocturnal. Recommended companionship with a Watchman Goby to observe their natural symbiosis.

Compatibility

Suitable for normal-sized reef fish. Not recommended for very small fish. Harmless to corals.