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Invertebrates
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Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus)
Difficulty: Easy
Reef Safe: Yes
Max Size: 6-8 cm
Coloration: Tan with broken rust-colored stripes.
Feeding: Small crustaceans
Distribution: Eastern Asia
Also known as the Symbiosis Shrimp or Snapping Shrimp. The Tiger Pistol is one of few species of shrimps that will actually form a symbiotic relationship with fish, in this case certain species of the family gobiidae. In this relationship the goby acts as a guard, alerting the shrimp of any danger nearby, in exchange for his services the shrimp will share its food and home with the goby. The shrimp has a snapper claw that can produce a powerful jet of water that is capable of stunning small prey items. Due to the popping noise it makes with the snapper, it is often mistaken for a Mantis Shrimp when judged by sound only.
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