Tiger Pistol Shrimp

Also known as Tiger Snapping Shrimp

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp is a strikingly patterned species featuring bold tiger-like stripes of orange, white, and brown. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this is one of the most popular pistol shrimp species in the aquarium trade due to its attractive appearance and strong symbiotic relationship with shrimp gobies.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Alpheus bellulus
• Common Names: Tiger Pistol Shrimp, Tiger Snapping Shrimp, Pretty Pistol Shrimp
• Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches
• Lifespan: 3–4 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful toward other species; may be aggressive toward other pistol shrimp
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe – will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; 20+ gallons for optimal pairing with goby
• Experience Level: Easy – hardy, adaptable, and rewarding

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: MUST provide fine to medium sand substrate (2–3 inches deep minimum) for burrow construction. Include small pieces of rubble rock and live rock to stabilize burrow structures. Ensure open sand areas for extensive tunnel systems. Flat rocks near burrow entrance provide perching spots for goby partners.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Maintain stable water conditions with regular maintenance
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration system
  • Protein skimmer recommended
  • Gentle to moderate water flow (avoid strong currents near burrow)
  • Secure aquarium lid

Diet & Feeding

Tiger Pistol Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores:

• Staples: High-quality sinking pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, frozen bloodworms
• Supplemental: Finely chopped frozen seafood, flake food, detritus, leftover fish food
• Feeding Frequency: Once daily; will also scavenge continuously
• Special Note: Will emerge from burrow during feeding times. If paired with goby, both will feed together at burrow entrance. Target feed near burrow to ensure shrimp gets adequate food.

Social Structure & Behavior

• Goby Symbiosis: Forms strong partnerships with various shrimp gobies including Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus), Blue Spotted Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus leptocephalus), Yasha Goby (Stonogobiops yasha), and others. This is one of the strongest symbiotic bonds in marine aquariums.
• Communication System: Maintains constant antenna contact with goby partner. When goby detects danger (through vision), it signals shrimp through body movements, and both retreat instantly into burrow.
• Burrowing Engineer: Extremely active burrower that creates complex, multi-chambered tunnel systems. Constantly carries sand out of burrow in its claws.
• Snapping Mechanism: Possesses one dramatically enlarged claw capable of producing extremely loud snapping sounds (200+ decibels underwater) by rapid closure that creates cavitation bubbles.
• Social Behavior: Generally peaceful; can sometimes be kept with other species of pistol shrimp if tank is large enough, though this risks conflict

Notes & Considerations

• One of the most attractively patterned pistol shrimp species, highly visible when emerging from burrow.
• The snapping sound is very loud and clearly audible outside the aquarium, especially at night.
• Tireless sand mover – will continuously rearrange substrate and may cause small rockwork shifts.
• Can undermine structures with burrowing activity – ensure stable, secure aquascaping.
• Nearly blind; relies almost entirely on tactile antenna contact with goby for environmental information.
• Dramatically more active and visible when paired with compatible goby – pairing highly recommended.
• May construct multiple burrow entrances connected by underground tunnels.
• The goby-shrimp partnership is fascinating to observe and one of the most popular symbiotic displays in reef aquariums.
• Occasionally snaps at small fish that come too close to burrow, though rarely causes injury.
• Like all invertebrates, highly sensitive to copper-based medications and treatments.
• Provide iodine supplementation to support healthy molting cycles.
• Will not harm ornamental snails, hermit crabs, or other peaceful invertebrates.
• Can regenerate lost claws, though this takes multiple molts.

Why Choose a Quarantined Tiger Pistol Shrimp?

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