Red Pistol Shrimp
(Alpheus armatus)

Descrição

The “Red Pistol Shrimp” is *Alpheus armatus*. Some sources also refer to “Red Banded Pistol Shrimp” as *Alpheus randalli*, which is a different species, though sometimes confused in common names. The user specifically asked for *Alpheus armatus*, the “Red Pistol Shrimp”. I will focus on *Alpheus armatus*.

Here’s a summary of the gathered information for *Alpheus armatus*:
* **Appearance:** Bright red body with white spots/bands, white-banded antennae, one greatly enlarged claw. Grows to 2-5 cm (0.8 to 2.0 inches), though some general “pistol shrimp” sources mention up to 7 cm. I will use the *Alpheus armatus* specific size.
* **Behavior:** Known for its large snapping claw that creates a loud “pop” or “click” to stun prey or deter predators. Primarily lives in sediments or under rocks, actively digging and maintaining burrows. Often forms a symbiotic relationship with an anemone, specifically *Bartholomea annulata* (Curlycue Anemone), clearing sand from its lair. Unlike many other Pistol Shrimp species, *Alpheus armatus* does not typically form symbiotic relationships with gobies. Nocturnal.
* **Care Level:** Easy to Easy-Moderate. Generally peaceful, but territorial around its burrow and may pose a threat to smaller crustaceans if not well-fed. Reef-compatible.
* **Tank Essentials:** Minimum tank size 50L (13-14 gallons), 60-100L (16-26 gallons) recommended, or 10 gallons (38L) for general pistol shrimp. A deep sand bed (at least 5cm/2 inches) is crucial for burrowing. Stable rockwork is important.
* **Water Parameters:**
* Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
* pH: 8.0-8.4, 8.1-8.4
* Salinity/SG: 1.023-1.026. Optimal 1.025.
* Important: Needs stable calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and iodine for molting. Intolerant of copper and high nitrates.
* **Diet:** Carnivore, Omnivore. Scavenges on detritus and uneaten food. Accepts small meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, frozen foods, pellets, and flakes.
* **Maximum Size:** 2-5 cm (0.8-2.0 inches), some sources say up to 7cm for general pistol shrimp. I will stick to 5cm max for *Alpheus armatus*.
* **Origin:** Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, Western Atlantic. Indian Ocean is also listed for “Red Pistol Shrimp” generally. Given *Alpheus armatus* specifically, I will use Caribbean/Western Atlantic.
* **Lifespan:** 2-5 years, some reports of 3.5 to 5+ years in tanks. I will use 2-5 years as a general range.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom (burrower).

**Refinement for Description:**
* **Headline:** Focus on its unique “pistol” feature and red color.
* **Overview:** Describe appearance, the snapping claw, and its burrowing habits. Mention its contribution as a sand stirrer.
* **Care Level:** Emphasize ease but highlight territoriality with other shrimp/small crustaceans and its unique anemone symbiosis (or lack of goby symbiosis for *A. armatus*).
* **Tank Essentials:** Provide min L, mention deep sand bed and stable rockwork.
* **Diet:** Mention carnivorous/omnivorous and scavenger nature.
* **Why Buy From Us:** Standard store advantages.
* **Specifics:** Convert inches to cm, F to C, gallons to L accurately.

Let’s consolidate the information and draft the description.
Max Size: 2-5 cm. Let’s go with a clear maximum of 5cm for *Alpheus armatus*.
pH: 8.0-8.4.
Temperature: 22-28°C.
Lifespan: 2-5 years.
Origin: Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Western Atlantic.

A key distinction for *Alpheus armatus* vs. other pistol shrimp often called “Red Pistol Shrimp” (like *A. randalli*) is that *A. armatus* pairs with anemones (*Bartholomea annulata*), not gobies. This is an important detail for accuracy. I need to be careful not to imply it pairs with gobies, which is common for other pistol shrimp but not this specific species.

SEO keywords: “buy Red Pistol Shrimp online”, “Red Pistol Shrimp care”, “healthy aquarium fish”.

Double check word counts.
Headline: 5-10 words
Teaser: 20-35 words
Overview: 60-70 words
Care Level: 30-35 words
Tank Essentials: 30-35 words
Diet: 20-25 words
Why Buy From Us: 30-35 words
Call-to-action: <=15 words

Let's start drafting.

Red Pistol Shrimp: The Dynamic Reef Excavator

Add a captivating architect to your marine aquarium! The Red Pistol Shrimp is a truly unique invertebrate, renowned for its distinctive snapping claw and vibrant presence.

Overview

The Red Pistol Shrimp (*Alpheus armatus*) boasts a striking red body adorned with white spots and banded antennae. Its most remarkable feature is the oversized “pistol” claw, capable of creating a powerful cavitation bubble with a loud “snap.” This impressive ability is used for stunning prey and deterring perceived threats. This industrious shrimp is a natural burrower, constantly sculpting the substrate and contributing to your aquarium’s cleanliness and aeration.

Care Level

Considered easy to moderate to care for, the Red Pistol Shrimp is generally peaceful towards most tank mates. However, be mindful that it is territorial around its burrow and may show aggression towards smaller crustaceans if not well-fed. It typically forms a unique symbiotic relationship with certain anemones, like the Curlycue Anemone, providing a fascinating display.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 60 litres is recommended to house this active burrower. Provide a deep sand bed, at least 5 cm, and stable rockwork to support its extensive tunneling. Maintaining consistent marine water parameters is crucial for its health and successful molting. You can buy Red Pistol Shrimp online to enhance your healthy aquarium fish ecosystem.

Diet

As a carnivore and opportunistic scavenger, the Red Pistol Shrimp readily accepts a varied diet. Offer sinking pellets, quality marine flakes, and small meaty frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and krill. It will also diligently scavenge for uneaten food and detritus in your aquarium.

Why Buy From Us

At Corais de Vidro, we ensure every Red Pistol Shrimp is responsibly sourced and quarantined, guaranteeing robust health upon arrival. Our expert team provides dedicated support, ensuring you have all the knowledge for successful Red Pistol Shrimp care. We prioritize humane shipping, delivering vibrant, acclimatised specimens directly to your door.

• Scientific Name: *Alpheus armatus*
• Common Name / Variant: Red Pistol Shrimp
• Maximum Size: 5 cm
• Origin: Western Atlantic, Caribbean Sea
• pH Range: 8.0–8.4
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Lifespan: 2–5 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this fascinating Red Pistol Shrimp to your reef aquarium today!