Cinfirm Pistol Shrimp Identification

[MickeyDime53]

call me crazy but after a ton of research.. and seeing my shrimp only hang with mt LTA.. I think I have an Alpheus Armatus.. and it seems to be semi-rare in the aquarium trade.

I found him at PetCo.

Can anyone cofirm or help me ID this bro?

Clearly not the best photo. Im koving tomorrow so Ill get a clear pic of him when I break everything down.

 

[Calappidae]

You would be corret, Alpheus Armatus

These pistol shrimp host anemones, their natural host in the wild is the curly cue anemone.

 

[Betta132]

Wonder if you could sell it to someone... Bet you could get some cash for it if they're semi-rare.

 

[MickeyDime53]

Possibly. Any time I do find info on them it says theyre rare in the trade.

But hes awesome so even if I could make $50 off one shrimp im keeping him. Cause hes hilarious. I just feel terrible for my goby now. If i had a bigger tank id get him a pistol shrimp but I dont want to risk the shrimp fighting in a 10 gallon nano

 

[Calappidae]

That's the same species as shown in the completely false video BBC or natgeo.. whichever made on youtube. The one that spred rumors that they'll shoot your finger off.

Meeh... they're not that difficult to get a hold of. They're uncommon but not a rare thing to obtain when searching. They retail cheaper than most of the regular pistols actually.

Reefs2go and Thatpetplace are two places who have them listed. Both only $9.99 and one place has them instock! (TPP)

That species, like I said will host anemones and their main in the wild is curly cue anemones (actually one of my favorite nems! Very easy to keep, don't need overkill lighting.. picture an oversized aiptasia that don't reproduce) but I forgot to point out they do not pair with gobies if you ever plan on trying that.

Also I agree, mixing pistols in a 10g is asking for an ol' cowboy showdown over the pretty fish.

 

[MickeyDime53]

Haha yea after sitting around wondering why my shrimp never paired with my Goby (I bought them together) I decided to put in some research.

Of course its not super rare but seems to be uncommon in the trade.. not necissarily rare on earth, if that makes any sense. Maybe its because they dont pair with gobies and nobody wants just a shrimp.

Now I have to find one of those nems locally. They look awesome

 

[Calappidae]

It's just not body really bothers to collect the shrimp. They are by all means not rare just something no lfs consitures to order in as it'll just sit there for weeks while the others sale before finally being sold. Online retailers same case pretty much.. it's easy to get them just not many people give high demand for them to collect not to mention how cheap they are as well.

 

[MickeyDime53]

I love how R2G says the shrimp arent reef safe.. yet TPP says they are. Im not sure why they wouldnt be if all he does is hide in a cave?

 

[Calappidae]

Pistol shrimp are well known for burrowing corals so in a way it's more of a w/caution for anything laying on the ground unanchored (particularly plate corals)


There's also the possibility of collasping rockwork.

 

[MickeyDime53]

Ahhh I see. Ive seen mine kidnap a hermit for a night lol

I reappy appreciate all of the info. You have been very helpful and polite