Randall’s Pistol Shrimp
(Alpheus randalli)

Descrição

The research provides comprehensive information on *Alpheus randalli*.

Here’s a summary of the findings:
* **Appearance:** Transparent or white with prominent red bands and spots on rostrum, chelipeds, and abdomen. Yellowish-green thoracic appendages. Has one uniquely larger claw. Also known as Candy Stripe or Candy Cane Pistol Shrimp due to red and white bands.
* **Behavior:** Known for a loud clicking/snapping sound produced by its large claw, used to stun prey or deter predators. Primarily nocturnal. Forms a mutualistic symbiotic relationship with gobies (e.g., *Amblyeleotris spp.*, *Stonogobiops spp.*, Yellow Watchman Goby, Randall’s Goby, Yasha Goby). The shrimp digs and maintains burrows, providing shelter, while the goby acts as a lookout for predators due to its superior eyesight and alerts the shrimp with tail flicks. They often share food. The shrimp has poor eyesight.
* **Care Level:** Easy to Easy-Moderate. Peaceful temperament, but territorial around its burrow. Reef safe. Compatible with specific goby species, other clean-up crew (CUC) members like snails and hermits generally not affected, but may spar with same species of pistol shrimp.
* **Tank Essentials:** Minimum 10-20 gallons (40-75L). Requires a deep sand bed (at least 4 inches) for burrowing and ample live rock/caves for shelter.
* **Water Parameters:**
* **Temperature:** 22-28°C (72-83°F). Consensus is 74-82°F, 76-78°F, 72-78°F, 24-28°C (75-82°F). I will use 24-28°C.
* **pH Range:** 7.9-8.5, 8.1-8.4. I will use 8.1-8.4.
* **Salinity/SG:** 1.020-1.027, 1.024-1.026, 1.023-1.025, 1.021-1.025, 1.02 to 1.025. I will use 1.023-1.026.
* Requires correct iodine levels for molting. Intolerant of copper and high nitrates.
* **Diet:** Carnivore/Omnivore. Scavengers. Forages for meaty foods, detritus, small invertebrates. Accepts frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp), high-quality pellets, and flake foods. May share food with goby.
* **Maximum Size:** 0.5-2 inches (1.27-5 cm). Some sources say up to 6 cm or 1.2 inches (3 cm). The common range is 2-3 cm (1-1.2 inches) with some reaching 5cm (2 inches). I’ll use 5 cm for max size to cover the higher end.
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific, Indonesia, Caribbean, Marquesas Islands, Indian Ocean. Wild-caught is common, but captive-bred talks exist. I will state Indo-Pacific.
* **Lifespan:** 2-5 years. Some reports of 4-5.5 years in captivity. I will state 3-5 years as a reasonable range.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom (burrowing).

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Randall’s Pistol Shrimp: Your Aquarium’s Symbiotic Star!

Introduce a truly captivating invertebrate to your marine aquarium with the Randall’s Pistol Shrimp, a fascinating and active burrower renowned for its unique partnership with gobies.

Overview

The Randall’s Pistol Shrimp (*Alpheus randalli*) is a visually striking invertebrate, showcasing vibrant red and white bands across its translucent body, complemented by yellowish-green appendages. Its most notable feature is a single, oversized snapping claw capable of producing a distinctive “clicking” sound to stun prey or deter threats. Though primarily nocturnal, this shrimp’s industrious burrowing and potential symbiotic relationship with a goby make it an engaging addition to any suitable reef tank.

Care Level

Considered easy to moderate in care, the Randall’s Pistol Shrimp is generally peaceful, making it reef-safe and compatible with most non-aggressive tank mates. Its temperament is territorial around its burrow, but it poses no threat to corals or healthy clean-up crew members. For an enriching display, consider pairing it with a suitable symbiotic goby.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 40 litres (approx. 10 gallons) is recommended for a Randall’s Pistol Shrimp, with larger tanks preferred for a pair or community. Ensure a deep sand bed of at least 10 cm and ample live rock structures for burrowing and hiding. Stable water parameters are crucial for this invertebrate’s health and successful molting.

Diet

As an omnivorous scavenger, the Randall’s Pistol Shrimp readily consumes meaty foods. Offer high-quality frozen options like mysis shrimp or brine shrimp, sinking pellets, and flake foods. It will also forage for detritus and small invertebrates within its burrow and the substrate.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Randall’s Pistol Shrimp online from Corais de Vidro, you’re choosing healthy aquarium invertebrates nurtured with expert care. We prioritise ethical sourcing and meticulous acclimation to ensure your new companion arrives vibrant and ready to thrive. Experience the captivating world of symbiotic relationships with our premium livestock.

• Scientific Name: Alpheus randalli
• Common Name / Variant: Randall’s Pistol Shrimp / Candy Stripe Pistol Shrimp
• Maximum Size: 5 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: 3–5 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this remarkable Randall’s Pistol Shrimp to your reef aquarium today!