Pistol Shrimp

[fvandijk]

Question: I got a 90 gallon "package" for my 92 gallon corner tank in November. Recently I noticed 2 burrows under the rock. At first I couldn't figure out the inhabitants, but with the help of my flashlight and several night missions, I observed 2 shrimp type creatures in the burrows- definitely not mantis shrimp. About 2 " long and orange to red in color (could only see them partially). Asymmetric claws- eight on long and skinny, left short and fat. So I was thinking pistol shrimp. Then I found a molt near one of the burrows which does confirm this. I have found a few empty shells near one of the burrows. Any hints from anyone would be appreciated. Will they be a danger to any of the other creatures? (right now just the "package" inhabitants, a small yellow tang, a small pygmy angel, and a medium sized lawnmower blenny). Do I need to try to trap them and remove them? Or else target feed them? Ignore them?
Thanks
Frans

 

[phil519]

Most pistols are relatively blind (I think) - but I believe they will stun/kill anything that accidentally wanders into their burrow - take for example a small peppermint shrimp or even a small fish if dumb enough to go into the burrow.

Otherwise they are pretty reef safe- if you can deal with the click click sounds. In terms of food - i'd think a few pellets wouldn't hurt - if only to prevent them from deciding on snacking on other inverts you like in your tank.

Personally I'm so paranoid about getting a mantis that I'd remove a pistol if I could (caught one, another is still lurking around).

 

[H2OLUVSME]

pistols are pretty cool animals. i purposely put them in both of my current reefs. if you supply them with shells all will be well. the only problem ive had with them is their need for shells. if you dont supply them with empties they will use your snails and hermits for walls and roof supports in their burrows.

 

[stellablu]

if you dont supply them with empties they will use your snails and hermits for walls and roof supports in their burrows

Wow, haha I never knew that. I have about 50 or so nassarius vibex, plus assorted hermits and so far I've been lucky I guess. No losses except from my blue legs killing off my zebras.

Oh, if you decide you don't want to pistols I'll take them off your hands and pay shipping. I love mine, he lives with my watchman goby. You might want to consider getting a shrimp goby...they'd greatly appreciate the extra help finding food and security from predators.

 

[H2OLUVSME]

Oh, if you decide you don't want to pistols I'll take them off your hands and pay shipping. I love mine, he lives with my watchman goby. You might want to consider getting a shrimp goby...they'd greatly appreciate the extra help finding food and security from predators.

i would never want to get rid of my pistols thy are my favorite and most interesting animals. in one tank i have a yellow watchman goby and in the other i have a pink spot prwn goby. i couldnt even begin to describe the extent of their communication skills between each other.

also if you have CC or larger sized substrate i dont think adding the shells is neccesary.