Pistol Shimp Questions

[yacobito]

I am looking into adding a pistol shrimp to my tank and was doing some research when I found out that there are different kinds of pistol shrimp. I have a deep substrate (a good 6 in) of LS with a bit of CC mixed in and thought it would be nice for this type of shrimp.
I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or knows what the main differences are among these different kinds of pistols:
Bullseye
Caribbean
Randalli
Tiger
Any of information would be very helpful. I have a ~6 month old 30G tall tank, with ~40lbs of live rock. Stock: 2 perc clowns, a bi-color blenny, one peppermint shrimp, hermits, snails, an emerald crab and a feather duster. Thanks so much!

 

[yacobito]

That would be "Shrimp" and not "Shimp" sorry.

I am in a clean room and it is hard to type with gloves on!!

 

[speg]

I've heard only some species will form a relationship with a certain goby.. so maybe make sure each of these you're thinking about will do that.
Also are you SURE you want one of these little #$-(*&-!s? You will constantly be shoving sand back under a rock and dusting off your corals.. and you may awaken to a LOUD clicking noise (its louder than you may think!).

 

[yacobito]

Hummmm...maybe I don't want a pistol shrimp? :thinking: So they really move around that much sand huh? I would like to get something that would help clean the sand. I guess I could look into some of the various snails that sift through it. Anyone else with personal experiences with pistol shrimp?

 

[fishmamma]

I had a tiger pistol until it mysteriously dissapeared yesterday. They definatly move sand, but mine was a coarse grain so it didn't make too much of a mess IMO and I don't have any corals in that tank. He would just make large piles and push them up onto the rock or out into the rest of the bed. If you have sugar type sand I would stay clear, may cloud your water and make quite a mess. I enjoyed watching the little fella recreate the 'Big Dig' in my tank which is 29 gallons. If you do go with one make sure the rock base is resting on the bottom of the tank or you could have trouble. Also I should mention he was paired with a pink spotted shrimp goby.

 

[pohtr]

I was going to get a pistol shrimp but my lfs guy said their survival rate is poor. Is that so?

 

[ant]

I love my pistol shrimp "Magnum." He's a tiger pistol and I have him paired with Gobi-One Kenobi, a yellow gobi. They are a hoot to watch. The pistol is constantly moving sand and building new homes but I find it fun and interesting. I love the burms he's made and find he has added character to the tank. Good Luck! Ant.

 

[ant]

Oh by the way, I just got a feather duster and the pistol keeps cutting it down. At least I think he's the one. I moved it and it seems better. I know he's trying to gather it up but can't. The pistol loves to gather shells too and will line them up around his hole. Cool but he takes all the shells. Ant.

 

[speg]

Originally Posted by pohtr
I was going to get a pistol shrimp but my lfs guy said their survival rate is poor. Is that so?

Im sure certain species are hardier than others (as all saltwater species seem to be).. but probably as long as you keep your water in top shape like you're sposed to.. and keep the salinity at 1.023-25 you shouldnt have a problem.
I had 4 pistol shrimp in my tank as hitch hikers on live rock when I was cycling my tank (so the water musta been horrible for them) and I traded 3 back to the fish store and felt sorry for one so I kept it in my tank (I wish it went to the fish store too....) and its been there ever since! I have cought a few pics of the lil fella (actually around 2-3 inches! big fella!).. one day I shall post them!

 

[fishmamma]

Well I am not sure about a poor survival rate, but I thought I should add that mine is alive and well after all. Phew. :joy: Maybe go cjeckout some LFS and see if thay have any shrimp/goby pairs in the tanks. You can watch them and see if it interests you.

 

[jobob]

i have 2 a Randalli which i love. looks like candy cane. lol but hes paired with a watchman goby. and a Caribbean which i dont like. hes a di_k. he eats snails and hermits, i lost 2 firefish. i think to him. but as for sand the Randalli wasnt a big problem, for the first 2months. till he got his tunnels made. and the other didnt make tunnels or pair with a goby. i would get a Randalli they stay small about a inch. my sand sifter goby makes a bigger mess than the shrimps.

 

[yacobito]

Wow, thanks for all the replys. Ant, thats a great picture. I think I will check the LFS and see what have coming. Thanks again for all your help! :jumping: