Red Banded Pistol Shrimp

Also known as Randall’s Pistol Shrimp, Red Banded Snapping Shrimp

The Red Banded Pistol Shrimp is one of the most attractively colored pistol shrimp species available in the aquarium trade, featuring distinctive red and white banding. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this species is famous for its symbiotic partnership with various shrimp gobies and its fascinating burrowing behavior.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Alpheus randalli
• Common Names: Red Banded Pistol Shrimp, Randall’s Pistol Shrimp, Red Banded Snapping Shrimp
• Adult Size: Up to 2 inches
• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful toward other species; territorial toward conspecifics
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe – will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; 20+ gallons preferred especially with goby partner
• Experience Level: Easy – hardy, adaptable, and interesting

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: MUST provide fine sand substrate (2–3 inches minimum depth) for extensive burrowing. Include small pieces of rubble rock and live rock for burrow construction and stability. Open sand areas essential for burrow system. Place flat rocks near burrow entrance for goby perching.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Maintain stable, good water quality
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration appropriate for tank size
  • Protein skimmer recommended for larger systems
  • Gentle to moderate water flow (avoid strong current near burrow area)
  • Secure aquarium lid

Diet & Feeding

Red Banded Pistol Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores:

• Staples: High-quality sinking pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, cyclops
• Supplemental: Finely chopped frozen seafood, flake food that settles near burrow, detritus and leftover foods
• Feeding Frequency: Once daily; will scavenge throughout the day
• Special Note: If paired with goby, both will emerge during feeding. Target feed near burrow entrance to ensure shrimp receives food. Goby may share food with shrimp partner.

Social Structure & Behavior

• Goby Partnership: Forms strong symbiotic bonds with shrimp gobies including Randall’s Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli), Dracula Goby (Stonogobiops dracula), Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes), and others. The shrimp maintains the burrow; the goby provides predator warning.
• Communication: Maintains constant antenna contact with goby partner. Rapid antenna flicks signal danger, causing both to retreat into burrow.
• Burrowing Behavior: Tireless excavator that creates and maintains complex tunnel systems. Will carry mouthfuls of sand out of burrow throughout the day.
• Snapping Claw: Produces characteristic loud popping sounds (up to 210 decibels) when closing specialized enlarged claw. Used for stunning small prey and communication.
• Best Kept: Single specimen or male/female pair; can be paired with one or two compatible gobies

Notes & Considerations

• The snapping sound is quite loud and audible outside the aquarium, especially in quiet rooms.
• Constant sand-moving can cause mini-avalanches if rockwork isn’t properly stabilized.
• Will undermine structures if burrow extends beneath them – ensure stable aquascaping.
• Nearly blind; depends almost entirely on tactile senses and goby partnership for environmental awareness.
• Most active and visible when paired with appropriate goby species – highly recommended combination.
• One of the more colorful pistol shrimp species, making it visually appealing when visible.
• May occasionally snap at very small fish if they venture too close to burrow, though rarely causes harm.
• Sensitive to copper-based medications like all invertebrates.
• Provide iodine supplementation to support healthy molting.
• Very shy without goby partner; may rarely emerge from burrow.
• Will not harm ornamental shrimp, snails, or other peaceful invertebrates.

Why Choose a Quarantined Red Banded Pistol Shrimp?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthy, robust shrimp that has been observed for normal burrowing activity and feeding behavior. Our specimens are well-acclimated to aquarium conditions and, when available, can be paired with compatible goby species for an established symbiotic relationship, giving you an instant fascinating partnership in your reef aquarium.