Pistol Shrimp – Care And Necessities Of The Fascinating Pistol Shrimp
There are greater than 500 hundred kinds of pistol shrimp recognized thus far but only a handful that reach the marine aquarium hobby with any reliability. Some even come in as hitchhikers on live rock. Pistol shrimp are generally small with sizes ranging from half an inch to two inches.
All pistol shrimp have one (Or sometimes two) extra-large claw that create a cavitation bubble as it snaps shut. Temperatures rivaling the sun are created via this snapping action. The snapping motion also creates a pop that is obviously audible.
Their claws are used for both offence and defence. While they are able to employ it on their quarry (small shrimp) they are also known as excellent scavengers in the saltwater tank. They generally construct tunnels in the sand and have been renowned to burrow underneath the live rock. Therein lies the danger. Damage to the tank may be inflicted if the rock that is being burrowed under is not properly set in place. Even with this, they are still a valuable addition for their sand cleaning abilities.
Various species of pistol shrimp are even found linked with sponges. By far the fascinating characteristic of pistol shrimp are their capability to form a symbiotic relationship with some species of goby fish. This is widespread in a single genus of the pistol shrimp family, the genus alpheus.
Both the goby and the shrimp gain from such a rapport. Pistol shrimp naturally have extremely bad sight and rely on the goby to warn it when danger approaches. The shrimp is in continuous contact with the goby through its antennae. The shrimp speedily retreats into the burrow should it detect any abrupt movements from the goby. Tunnels are built buy the shrimp for both of them, offering a gain to the goby. Ever observant, the goby will generally 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 gobies feed on the passing morsels brought through the ocean currents.
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