Japanese Pistol Shrimp

The Japanese Snapping Shrimp, also known as the Red Snapping Shrimp, originates from Sri Lanka and is easily recognizable by its bright red body with white spots and banded claws. These shrimp are beneficial in the reef aquarium as they constantly move gravel and stir up sand while scavenging for uneaten food. The sound they produce comes from an appendage on their pincher, which ejects water when the pincher is opened or closed. They may form a symbiotic relationship with a shrimp goby if they are compatible. In the aquarium, Japanese Snapping Shrimp prefer environments with sand, rock caves, and dim lighting. They may live in pairs, with one standing guard at the burrow while the other is inside. While they are not harmful, they may prey on very small shrimp. These shrimp are intolerant of copper or high nitrate levels, but require a proper level of iodine in the water for molting. Japanese Snapping Shrimp will readily accept meaty freeze-dried and frozen foods, bottom feeder tablets, and also scavenge for algae in the aquarium.