Tiger Pistol Shrimp Question

[EllieSuz]

I bought a Tiger Pistol Shrimp a week ago to pair with my new Randall's Goby that was finished with quarantine. The water in the bag was 1.021 so I had to drip acclimate the little guy for five hours. I haven't seen any sign of this shrimp since I added him to the display. There is no sign of new excavation anywhere and the Goby hasn't settled in one spot to indicate that it has paired with the shrimp. Do you think he's hiding or dead? Anything else I should be looking for? I'd hate to buy a new one and end up with two.

 

[lcs]

Hmmm. He could still be hiding. I saw mine within a day or two, but then didn't see him/her for another couple of weeks. I'd say give it another week or even two.

I hope he makes it!

 

[Jacwil]

Eileen I bet it's hiding...they're quite resilient but both of mine typically only come out at feeding time.

 

[block head]

i'd bet a week or two of hiding, then look for snow storms or piles of sand. cool critters, i don't miss sleeping near the tank. i heard mine snapping all night.

 

[tmz]

They can be quite cryptic. I've had one for 8 yrs( only supposed to live 5) . The only time I know it's there is when it pops out to snap at me.

The 1.021 specific gravity is a concern. These animals can't deal with large sg shifts and live in seawater where he sg averages 1.0264. They are also torubled by high nitrates.

 

[EllieSuz]

Yes, the water of the LFS where I bought the shrimp was very low and I intend to discuss this with them on my next visit. Until their tanks are more in line with ours, I'll buy my livestock elsewhere.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

my money is on the shrimp making a surprise appearance in the upcoming week

 

[rjmayes34]

if you look under the tank you should be able to see his underside. I know i can get under my tank with a flashlight and sneak a peak at my tiger pistol and pink spotted watchman goby. Its neat to see them from that point of view!
I took about a month or more for my to find each other and pair up. The Goby was at one side the shrimp on the other. Good luck!!!! They are very neat to watch!