Pistol shrimp are a relatively common offering in marine pet stores across the country. While there are a broad diversity of pistol shrimp types in the wild, not many varieties are collected for the saltwater tank trade. They are also famous as hitchhikers that come in through live rock. These shrimp are usually small with sizes ranging from half an inch to two inches, rarely more.
Pistol shrimp have a single (rarely two) big claw that, when snapped shut, is able to shoot forth a cavitation bubble. This bubble, very briefly reaches temperatures rivaling that of the sun, which is somewhere in the region of 4700 degrees Celsius. The snapping action also produces a pop that is unmistakably audible. Such pops alert the hobbyist to one of three realities about their tank inhabitants.
a) They have a pistol shrimp in their tank
b) They have a mantis shrimp in their tank
c) They have both a pistol and mantis shrimp in their tank
The loud "pop" is the primary way most hobbyists discover the presence of a pistol or mantis shrimp. Between the two, pistol shrimp are a lot better. Mantis shrimp are excellent predators that can prey on your livestock. To most, both types of shrimp are undesirable hitchhikers.
The cavitation bubble is utilized offensively and defensively. While they are able to prey on a diversity of creatures, they are better known for their capability to scavenge really well in captivity. They frequently build burrows in the sand and have been known to burrow beneath the live rock. This poses a danger to your saltwater aquarium. If your live rock is not suitably secured, the total foundation can collapse. Their fondness for keeping the sand clean however, more than makes up for having to secure the entire rock structure.
A few types even associate themselves with types of saltwater sponges. It is their capability to form a association with the goby family of fishes that is truly remarkable. The genus alpheus of the pistol shrimp family houses mainly goby symbionts.
The symbiotic association is mutually advantageous. The goby warns the shrimp of approaching danger as the shrimp cannot see very well. The shrimp is in constant contact with the goby through its antennae. Any hasty movements from the goby is interpreted as a sign of danger and is a signal for the shrimp to return to its tunnel. Conversely, the pistol shrimp creates and maintains the burrow that both the goby and shrimp live in.
Ever vigilant, the goby will typically be seen on the look out while the pistol shrimp goes about its business digging and scavenging for food until it receives a warning from the goby. The goby on the other hand, feeds on passing plankton brought by means of the seas currents.tis
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