Learn everything you need to know about pistol shrimp care, including tank setup, lifespan, size, tank mates, and their fascinating partnership with gobies. Perfect guide for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The first time I saw a pistol shrimp in action, I thought I was watching a movie in slow motion. This little crustacean raised its oversized claw, snapped it shut, and suddenly—pop!—a loud crack echoed through the tank, stunning a small piece of prey. It was like watching a tiny gunslinger under water.
Quick answer: Pistol shrimp are fascinating marine invertebrates known for their snapping claw, symbiotic partnership with gobies, and need for a well-planned tank setup.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about pistol shrimp care—from tank setup and feeding to choosing the right tank mates. I’ll also sprinkle in personal experiences and a few helpful product suggestions that make care easier.
What is a Pistol Shrimp?
Pistol shrimp, also called snapping shrimp, are small marine invertebrates famous for their ability to snap their claw and create a powerful shockwave that stuns prey. Some species can even produce a sound loud enough to rival a jet engine underwater.
Quick answer: A pistol shrimp is a small snapping crustacean that uses its claw to hunt and often forms a symbiotic relationship with gobies.
This unique behavior is why they’re such a popular choice among saltwater aquarists looking to add personality to their tanks.
Pistol Shrimp Size and Max Size
Most hobbyists wonder just how big these little guys get.
-
Average pistol shrimp size: 1.5 to 2 inches.
-
Pistol shrimp max size: Up to 3 inches, depending on the species.
Quick answer: Pistol shrimp typically grow 1.5–2 inches, with some reaching a max size of about 3 inches.
Because of their small size, they’re often overlooked—but their personality is anything but small.
Pistol Shrimp Lifespan
A pistol shrimp isn’t just a short-term pet; with proper care, they stick around for years.
-
Average lifespan: 3–4 years.
-
With excellent care: Up to 5 years.
Quick answer: Pistol shrimp usually live 3–4 years, but good water quality and a balanced diet can extend their lifespan.
One of mine lived nearly 5 years, and I like to think it was because I kept his partnership with a goby strong and his burrow undisturbed.
Pistol Shrimp Tank Setup
The key to pistol shrimp care is providing an environment where they can dig, burrow, and feel safe.
-
Tank size: Minimum 10 gallons for a shrimp-goby pair, but 20+ gallons is better.
-
Substrate: Fine sand (they need it for burrowing).
-
Decor: Rocks and caves to stabilize burrows.
-
Filtration: Reliable filtration, but avoid strong currents that collapse burrows.
Quick answer: Pistol shrimp need a sandy substrate and stable rock structures in at least a 10–20 gallon tank.
👉 I recommend CaribSea Ocean Direct Live Sand — perfect for shrimp to dig and build burrows.
Water Parameters for Pistol Shrimp
Like most marine creatures, pistol shrimp thrive in stable, reef-like conditions.
-
Temperature: 74–78°F
-
Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
-
pH: 8.1–8.4
-
Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
-
Nitrates: Below 20 ppm
Quick answer: Keep pistol shrimp in warm, stable reef-like conditions with salinity around 1.025 and nitrates under 20 ppm.
A good marine salt mix like Instant Ocean Sea Salt makes water changes much easier.
Diet: What Do Pistol Shrimp Eat?
Even though they’re great hunters, pistol shrimp are opportunistic feeders.
-
Diet staples: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood.
-
Pellet/flake supplements: Sinking marine pellets.
-
Occasional treats: Small frozen krill or plankton.
Quick answer: Feed pistol shrimp a mix of frozen shrimp, sinking pellets, and small pieces of seafood for best health.
👉 I’ve had success with Hikari Marine S Pellets, which sink quickly and are easy for them to grab.
Pistol Shrimp Behavior
Watching a pistol shrimp is like observing a construction worker, an engineer, and a bodyguard all rolled into one.
-
Burrow building: They spend hours digging and reinforcing tunnels.
-
Snapping claw: Used for defense and hunting.
-
Symbiosis with goby: They form partnerships where the goby acts as lookout while the shrimp digs.
Quick answer: Pistol shrimp are active diggers, use their snap for defense, and often pair with gobies for survival.
Pistol Shrimp and Goby Symbiosis
One of the most amazing aspects of pistol shrimp care is watching their partnership with gobies.
-
How it works: The shrimp digs a burrow while the goby stands guard.
-
Communication: The shrimp keeps an antenna on the goby’s body to sense danger.
-
Mutual benefit: The shrimp gets protection; the goby gets a home.
Quick answer: Pistol shrimp and gobies form a symbiotic relationship where the shrimp provides shelter and the goby provides protection.
If you want to try this, look into Yasha gobies or Randall’s gobies, which pair beautifully with pistol shrimp.
Pistol Shrimp Tank Mates
Not all tank mates work with pistol shrimp.
-
Good tank mates: Gobies, peaceful reef-safe fish, small inverts like hermit crabs.
-
Avoid: Aggressive fish (triggerfish, large wrasses), predatory inverts, or very delicate species.
Quick answer: Keep pistol shrimp with gobies and peaceful reef fish, but avoid aggressive predators that may eat or harass them.
Pistol Shrimp Care Challenges
While they’re hardy, there are a few things to watch for:
-
Burrow collapse: Strong currents or shifting rocks can trap them.
-
Aggression: They may snap at small inverts or fish if stressed.
-
Water quality: Sensitive to ammonia spikes.
Quick answer: The biggest challenges with pistol shrimp are burrow collapse, aggression, and poor water quality.
I once made the mistake of placing unstable rocks in my tank. The shrimp’s tunnel caused a rockslide—thankfully he survived, but it was a big lesson in tank setup.
Affiliate Picks for Pistol Shrimp Owners
Here are a few products I recommend for pistol shrimp care:
-
CaribSea Ocean Direct Live Sand – Perfect burrowing substrate.
-
Instant Ocean Sea Salt – Easy water prep for saltwater tanks.
-
Hikari Marine S Pellets – Great staple food.
Conclusion
Caring for a pistol shrimp is one of the most rewarding experiences in the saltwater hobby. They’re quirky, fascinating, and form one of the most iconic partnerships in the aquarium world with gobies.
Quick answer: With the right setup, diet, and tank mates, pistol shrimp can live 3–5 years and bring endless entertainment to your aquarium.
If you’re looking for a small invertebrate with a big personality, this little “gunslinger” might just steal your heart.
FAQs About Pistol Shrimp Care
How big do pistol shrimp get?
Most grow 1.5–2 inches, with some reaching 3 inches max.
How long do pistol shrimp live?
On average 3–4 years, sometimes up to 5.
Can you keep pistol shrimp with other fish?
Yes, especially gobies and other peaceful reef-safe fish.
Do pistol shrimp need sand?
Absolutely—they require sand or fine substrate to build burrows.
Can pistol shrimp live without a goby?
Yes, but they thrive best when paired with a goby.