{"product_id":"alpheus-bellulus-m","title":"Alpheus bellulus M Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlpheus bellulus\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly sold as the \u003cstrong\u003eTiger Pistol Shrimp\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a fascinating marine invertebrate prized for its bold patterning, burrowing habits and remarkable symbiotic behaviour with gobies. The “pistol” name comes from the oversized claw, which can snap shut with incredible speed to create a loud click and a tiny shockwave used for defence and hunting. This makes it one of the most interesting shrimp species available to reef keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur \u003cstrong\u003eM size\u003c\/strong\u003e Tiger Pistol Shrimp is a great choice for aquarists looking to add natural behaviour and movement to a marine setup. It is best kept in a mature saltwater aquarium with plenty of sand and hiding places, ideally alongside a compatible goby species. With the right environment, this shrimp will spend much of its time excavating and maintaining a burrow, creating a lively and engaging display.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs with all live livestock, we recommend ordering when you are ready to receive your animal. We offer \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e for added peace of mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCare Factor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlpheus bellulus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTiger Pistol Shrimp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 4–5 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore \/ scavenger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlpheus bellulus\u003c\/em\u003e is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where it inhabits shallow coastal waters, sandy lagoons and rubble zones. In the wild, pistol shrimp are expert burrowers, using sand and shell fragments to build secure tunnels and chambers. They often live in close association with gobies, which act as lookouts while the shrimp maintains the burrow.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis natural lifestyle is important to replicate in the aquarium. A suitable substrate and stable rockwork allow the shrimp to behave naturally, reducing stress and encouraging the fascinating digging and tunnel-building activity that makes this species so popular.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, keep Tiger Pistol Shrimp in a mature marine aquarium with stable water conditions and a fine sand bed. A depth of at least 5–7 cm of sand is recommended, with additional rubble or small shell pieces to help support burrow construction. Live rock should be arranged securely so that burrowing does not destabilise the aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species is small and secretive, it is best housed in a tank with low to moderate flow and plenty of shelter. A tight-fitting lid is not usually essential for shrimp alone, but good aquarium husbandry is vital: maintain strong filtration, regular water changes and consistent salinity. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or salinity, as invertebrates can be sensitive to rapid shifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIdeal water conditions are:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–26°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e around 1.023–1.026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike other crustaceans, \u003cem\u003eAlpheus bellulus\u003c\/em\u003e requires iodine and trace elements in appropriate levels for healthy moulting. Do not house with aggressive fish that may harass or eat it, and ensure there are multiple hiding places if keeping more than one shrimp in a larger system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTiger Pistol Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers. In the aquarium they will feed on leftover meaty foods, detritus and small invertebrate foods, but they should not be expected to survive on leftovers alone. Offer a varied diet including finely chopped marine foods, frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, quality sinking pellets and occasional algae-based foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small amounts once or twice daily, taking care not to overfeed. Because this shrimp often remains hidden in its burrow, target feeding near the entrance can help ensure it gets enough nutrition. A healthy pistol shrimp will be active around its burrow and may carry food items back inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe best companions for \u003cem\u003eAlpheus bellulus\u003c\/em\u003e are peaceful reef fish that will not prey on it or disturb its burrow. The classic pairing is with a compatible goby, such as a watchman goby or other symbiotic goby species, where both animals benefit from the partnership. Small, non-aggressive fish and many reef-safe invertebrates are usually suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid housing with predatory wrasses, hawkfish, large dottybacks, triggers, puffers and other fish that may attack or eat the shrimp. Very boisterous tank mates can also cause stress and prevent natural burrowing behaviour. If keeping with other shrimp, ensure the aquarium is large enough and that each animal has its own territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen introduced to a suitable aquarium, this species quickly becomes one of the most entertaining inhabitants, offering constant natural behaviour and a unique glimpse into marine symbiosis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we carefully source quality marine livestock and pack every order with animal welfare in mind. Our live stock is selected for health and vitality, and we aim to provide a smooth, reliable experience from checkout to delivery. With \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e and our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, you can order with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe also provide clear care information to help you prepare the right environment before your shrimp arrives. Whether you are building a reef display or planning a goby-and-shrimp partnership, \u003cem\u003eAlpheus bellulus\u003c\/em\u003e is a superb choice for aquarists who enjoy natural behaviour, personality and a truly distinctive marine species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446824313167,"sku":"M828","price":40.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/alpheus-bellulus-m-hero-driftwood-m828.webp?v=1777531752","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/alpheus-bellulus-m","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}