Pistol Shrimp & Symbiotic Gobys

Photos of Reef Shrimp

Pistol Shrimp and Symbiotic Gobys

All Pistol Shrimp have one (or sometimes two) oversize claw that creates a cavitation bubble as it snaps shut. This bubble, very briefly reaches temperatures approaching that of the sun, about 4700 degrees Celsius. A loud “popping” noise results as well as a shock wave used to stun prey or ward off predators.

Try to put the pistol shrimp in a location of your choice first. Let it be until it digs a burrow. Then release the goby right outside the burrows entrance. The goby should make a mad dash for the burrow and pair up.

This is commonly seen in pistol shrimp belonging to the genus Alpheus such as Tiger, Candy Stripe and Michael’s pistil shrimp. We have these and many compatible gobys listed below, sometimes in stock, and by email request.

Pistol Shrimp Symbionts
Here are some gobys that will pair up with the genus Alpheus pistol shrimp.

They really do pair up. This page shows only the reliable information I’ve found so far. If you have a pair please email a photo and what they are and I’ll include it here.

Yasa Hashe Goby and Candy Stripe Pistol