Pistol Shrimp

Pistol Shrimp: Tiny Powerhouse for Your Reef Tank

Pistol Shrimp are some of the most fascinating invertebrates you can add to a saltwater aquarium. Known for their loud snapping claw and quirky behavior, these small crustaceans can become real crowd-pleasers in a reef tank when given the right environment and tankmates.

What Makes Pistol Shrimp So Special?

Pistol Shrimp get their name from their oversized claw, which can snap shut with incredible speed, creating a loud pop and a brief burst of pressure. In the wild, this is used to stun prey and communicate, but in an aquarium it’s mostly a curious sound effect.

Beyond the snap, aquarists love them for their behavior and symbiotic partnerships. Many species form a bond with gobies, sharing a burrow and working as a team.

  • Size: Most commonly kept species stay around 1–2 inches.
  • Temperament: Generally peaceful, but very territorial around their burrow.
  • Reef-Safe: Typically safe with corals, but may move rubble and small frags around.
  • Activity: Excellent sand engineers; they constantly dig and rearrange substrate.

Pistol Shrimp and Goby Pairing

The classic pistol shrimp–goby pair is one of the most rewarding nano-reef combinations. The shrimp has poor eyesight, while the goby has sharp vision. The goby stands guard at the burrow entrance, and the shrimp keeps a claw or antenna in contact with the goby, retreating when the goby signals danger.

Tip: Research which goby species naturally pair with your chosen pistol shrimp (such as Randall’s or Yasha gobies) for the best chance of a successful partnership.

  • Use a fine to medium-grain sandbed at least 1–2 inches deep.
  • Provide plenty of small rock pieces and shells for burrow support.
  • Add the goby and shrimp at the same time if possible.
  • Keep tankmates peaceful to avoid stressing the pair.

Care, Feeding, and Tank Setup

Pistol Shrimp are hardy when basic reef parameters are stable. They thrive in well-established systems with hiding spots and minimal aggression.

  • Tank Size: 10+ gallons for a single shrimp–goby pair; larger systems are better.
  • Water Parameters: Typical reef conditions (1.024–1.026 salinity, 76–80°F, stable alkalinity and calcium).
  • Diet: Meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality pellets.
  • Acclimation: Drip acclimate to minimize stress and prevent shock.

Because they love to dig, secure your rockwork directly on the bottom glass or an egg crate structure to prevent collapses. Expect some sand mounds and occasional cloudy water as they remodel their home.

Tankmates and Compatibility

Avoid housing pistol shrimp with highly aggressive fish or large predatory wrasses that may view them as a snack. They usually coexist well with peaceful reef fish, snails, and hermits. If you keep multiple pistol shrimp, provide enough space and hiding places to reduce territorial disputes.

For more invertebrate care guides, check out our articles on Cleaner Shrimp care and our beginner-friendly guide to reef-safe invertebrates. If you’re building a new system, our nano reef setup guide is a helpful starting point before adding a pistol shrimp–goby duo.

With the right setup and a compatible goby partner, Pistol Shrimp can turn your aquarium into a dynamic, constantly changing micro-reef that’s as educational as it is entertaining.