Can I lure out a pistol shrimp?

[JodiM]

I just bought a little pistol shrimp the other day, already had a goby.. But I haven't seen him or heard him since Friday when I put him in.
I know they like to make burrows, but is there any way to lure him out? Maybe with some food at night when the lights are off?

 

[Fiver]

It's probably just adjusting. I wouldn't worry much. My YWG and shrimp disappeared for a few days at first, and still sometimes go MIA for a day or two.

That said, they will learn when/how you feed, and will come out to eat. I place my long dropper near the burrow hole and blow once or twice, and the goby and shrimp come out to eat. They don't venture far, though, and dart back in right away.

But I say: Just let your fish and shrimp get comfortable first. Hunting around for them now will only make them flighty long term.

 

[JodiM]

It's probably just adjusting. I wouldn't worry much. My YWG and shrimp disappeared for a few days at first, and still sometimes go MIA for a day or two.

That said, they will learn when/how you feed, and will come out to eat. I place my long dropper near the burrow hole and blow once or twice, and the goby and shrimp come out to eat. They don't venture far, though, and dart back in right away.

But I say: Just let your fish and shrimp get comfortable first. Hunting around for them now will only make them flighty long term.

good point, i don't want to annoy him while he is learning his new place, although my LFS gave me a piece of rock he was living in along with him and I think I can still see his tentacles coming out the backside of it... so maybe he hasnt moved yet.

 

[Sk8r]

As a general and forever rule---don't 'help out' your specimens unless you can do it in one reach or flip a stupid snail back over. Nature is. They cope. You're likely to trap him or crush him in any attempt to interfere.

 

[JodiM]

As a general and forever rule---don't 'help out' your specimens unless you can do it in one reach or flip a stupid snail back over. Nature is. They cope. You're likely to trap him or crush him in any attempt to interfere.

you're exactly right. I am just getting ready to share photos of my "handicapped"emerald crab.. he is surviving.

 

[xanthurum]

I haven't seen my pistol in 6 months but he lets me know he is good with the occasional snapping.