pistol/goby pairs and other shrimp in a nano

[mndfreeze]

Hi all,

I have a 12G nano im building to be a mostly invert and coral tank. I was going to put a yellow watchman and pistol pair in there but am reading that they will eat other shrimp. I was HOPING to put in some sexy shrimp as well but if the pistol will kill them then I need to decide which I want more.

Advice?

Also, which pistols that pair with watchmen are smaller? I dont want some massive pistol later on in a tiny 12G

 

[Octoshark]

The Red Banded Pistol Shrimp is the smaller one: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+525+704&pcatid=704

 

[mndfreeze]

What's the word on a pistol / goby pair with other shrimp in the same tank? I was originally under the impression the pistols that were commonly sold were just scavengers and deitrus eaters, but now im finding otherwise. I dont want to get ****ed that a few sexy shrimp dissapeared due to it.

 

[Octoshark]

Well in a large tank the pistol should stick to his own "neck of the woods" and as long as the other shrimp dont get too close to his burrow then they might be able to co-exist, however, given the fact that you have a nano tank the chances of the pistol and other shrimp coming into contact is much higher. In that case, the odds may not be in your favor. I'm not saying for sure the pistol would give the other shrimp a hard time, but since the tank is small there is a very good chance that territory may be an issue.

It could ultimately depend upon the temperament of the pistol shrimp; maybe you have a very friendly one (but maybe not...)

My red banded pistol has had no problems with anybody else, but then again I have not introduced any other shrimp, so I can't say from experience.

 

[jbray84]

I have a tiger pistol and orange spot goby in my 30g and they have not bullied my scarlet cleaner shrimp. However, the pistol has grabbed a few emerald crab and stafish legs.