Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus)

Alpheus snapping shrimp fire a claw fast enough to create a collapsing cavitation bubble, and the shockwave from that collapse is loud enough — pound for pound — to rank among the loudest sounds produced by any animal in the ocean, strong enough to stun or kill small prey outright. In a reef tank this species usually pairs up with a goby roommate: the shrimp digs and maintains a shared burrow while the goby, with far better eyesight, keeps watch and signals danger through constant antennal contact.

Care level: Moderate · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~2" · Min tank: 20 gal, sand bed · Reef safe: Yes · Diet: Omnivore, scavenger