Red Banded Pistol Shrimp- Compatibility Question?

seti2020

New member
I recently ordered some fish and invertabrates. When I received the order I was given a Red Banded Pistol Shrimp by mistake. I was wondering, do they ever cause problems. I saw on a online discription that it can use its "claw to ward off predators and knock over potential prey". I have a nano tank with small gobies and sexy shrimp. So before I add it to the tank I want to be sure its ok.

Oh ya, it is a very small pistol. about the size of dime. But I dont know how fast they guys grow. You know might be fine now, but six months later a problem.
 
It totally depends on the species; I have an Alpheus armatus that is highly aggressive, especially towards other inverts. He made quick of my cleaner shrimp, porcelain crab and eventually, an emerald crab that was about 1.5" at the carapace.
 
Well, here is a pic of my pistol. Again, this is an Alpheus armatus from the caribean; it can form a commensal relationship with a type of anemone, but not the goby.

IMG_2768.jpg
 
I have a red and white banded as well. He's in with a hi-fin goby and all is well. I've kept several peppermint shrimp with him, porcelain crabs, anemone crabs, hermits, snails, small fish, and others with him with no problems in the 9 months I've had him. They grow pretty fast BTW. Like I said, I've had him for about 9 months. When I got him he was about the size of a dime as well and has easily quadrupled in size. He rarely ever comes out anyway, so he can't really do much damage. Just throw some pellets in there for him every once and awhile and they love it!
 
Thanks seti, I just wish I knew how aggressive he was before I put him in my display. Regardless, I'm going to keep him around since he doesn't bother the fish or corals.
 
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