Does it need a goby to be kept successfully?

No, it can be kept successfully on its own without a goby. However, since it naturally forms a partnership with gobies, pairing them lets you observe more of its natural behavior.

Is the snapping sound something to worry about?

The sound comes from the shrimp naturally snapping its large claw shut, and it isn't a sign of a health problem. Depending on your tank setup, the sound may carry more noticeably.

Is this species suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's considered beginner-friendly and is hardy and easy to manage. With a deep sand bed provided, it makes for an approachable first marine invertebrate.

Is this species subject to any regulations?

This species is not subject to CITES. There's no need to be concerned about special procedures in relation to it.

How large does it grow?

It's a small species, reaching a maximum body length of about 5cm even as an adult. Its compact size makes it easy to combine with other tank inhabitants without taking up much space.

Randall's Pistol Shrimp

Randall's Pistol Shrimp is a small shrimp with a white body marked by red bands and spots, best known for its symbiotic partnership with goby fish that share its burrow. It produces a sharp snapping sound by rapidly closing its oversized claw, and it's entertaining to watch as it digs and maintains its burrow. Hardy and easy to keep, it's a great choice even for beginners. Given a deep sand bed, it will readily display its natural digging and burrowing behavior. It's also a wonderful pick for anyone hoping to enjoy a goby-shrimp pairing.

View Randall's Pistol Shrimp encyclopedia →

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About Randall's Pistol Shrimp

A small white shrimp with red bands, known for its goby partnership. Hardy and beginner-friendly for marine tanks.

7 things to know before welcoming a Randall's Pistol Shrimp

1Provide a Deep Sand Bed
A deep sand bed is essential for this shrimp to display its natural burrowing behavior. If the sand layer is too shallow, it won't be able to settle in and will tend to stay hidden. Use fine, diggable sand and provide plenty of depth.
2Enjoy Its Goby Partnership
This species is well known for sharing a burrow with a partner goby. Watching the two cooperate, with the shrimp keeping contact via its antennae while maintaining the burrow, is a highlight unique to marine tanks.
3Snaps Loudly With Its Claw
It has a habit of snapping its oversized claw shut to produce a sharp popping sound. This is normal behavior rather than a sign of distress, so there's no need to worry when you hear it.
4Hardy and Beginner-Friendly
This species is considered beginner-friendly and relatively tolerant of water quality fluctuations. It's an approachable choice even for those new to marine fishkeeping.
5A Small Species, Up to About 5cm
Even as an adult, this shrimp reaches only about 5cm in body length. Its compact size means it takes up little space and is less likely to crowd out tankmates.
6Consider Hides and Tankmates
Setting up rockwork that offers hiding spots helps it settle in comfortably. Avoid pairing it with large, aggressive fish, and instead choose calmer tankmates.
7Keep Water Parameters Stable
While hardy, like most crustaceans it's sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters. Maintain a stable environment through regular water changes.

Frequently asked questions about Randall's Pistol Shrimp

Q.Does it need a goby to be kept successfully?: A.No, it can be kept successfully on its own without a goby. However, since it naturally forms a partnership with gobies, pairing them lets you observe more of its natural behavior.
Q.Is the snapping sound something to worry about?: A.The sound comes from the shrimp naturally snapping its large claw shut, and it isn't a sign of a health problem. Depending on your tank setup, the sound may carry more noticeably.
Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?: A.Yes, it's considered beginner-friendly and is hardy and easy to manage. With a deep sand bed provided, it makes for an approachable first marine invertebrate.
Q.Is this species subject to any regulations?: A.This species is not subject to CITES. There's no need to be concerned about special procedures in relation to it.
Q.How large does it grow?: A.It's a small species, reaching a maximum body length of about 5cm even as an adult. Its compact size makes it easy to combine with other tank inhabitants without taking up much space.