TIGER PISTOL SHRIMP (ALPHEUS BELLULUS)

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp ( Alpheus bellulus ) is the classic symbiotic species for reef aquariums, with its creamy, striped, and mottled brown-orange coloration. It is traditionally associated with watchman gobies of the genera Cryptocentrus and Amblyeleotris —the most easily observed natural symbiosis in an aquarium.

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)
• Sandy substrate 5–8 cm minimum — Minimum volume: 100L

Symbiosis with gobies

Pair them with Cryptocentrus cinctus or Amblyeleotris wheeleri to observe their natural symbiosis: the practically blind shrimp digs the burrow, while the goby keeps watch and signals danger. They are practically inseparable.

Behavior

Active digger. Characteristic clicking sound — normal. Harmless to corals.