Pistol Shrimp Candy Strip

Candy Stripe Pistol Shrimp 

Alpheus spp.

Candy Cane Pistol Shrimp are fascinating additions to saltwater aquariums due to their bright red and white banding, unique clicking behavior, and ability to form a symbiotic relationship with certain shrimp gobies. Also known as Red Banded Pistol Shrimp or Randall’s Pistol Shrimp, Alpheus randalli are small, reef safe burrowing shrimp that spend much of their time constructing and maintaining tunnels beneath rockwork. Their oversized claw can produce an audible “snap,” which is used for defense, communication, and stunning small prey. Candy Cane Pistol Shrimp are peaceful toward most tankmates, but they should be kept with care in aquariums containing very small ornamental shrimp or delicate bottom-dwelling invertebrates.