Pistol Shrimp; Candy Stripe – Alpheus sp.

About this invertebrate

Pistol Shrimp; Candy Stripe – Alpheus sp. is a saltwater snapping shrimp in the genus Alpheus. It’s prized for its behavior—especially burrowing into suitable substrate and “snapping” with its claw—making it a lively addition to many reef tanks. “Candy Stripe” refers to an appearance variety commonly used by sellers, while group care is based on the confirmed shrimp group (Alpheus pistol shrimp).

Features:

• Snaps and feeds from a burrow, providing interesting natural behavior in a sand-focused setup.
• Works well in reef aquariums where you can support its need for burrowing substrate.
• Generally considered peaceful toward tankmates, but the snapping claw can stun or disturb very small animals that enter its space. ([reefcleaners.org](https://www.reefcleaners.org/pistol-shrimp?Itemid=336&utm_source=openai))
• Omnivorous diet—typically handled with small meaty foods offered near where it hides. ([saltcorner.com](https://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=2606&utm_source=openai))
• Often paired with appropriate gobies that share or defend the burrow area (pairing is commonly discussed for Alpheus pistol shrimps). ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/special-relationships-keeping-pistol-shrimps-and-gobies?utm_source=openai))
• Beneficial for aquarists seeking an active invertebrate that adds movement and character at the sandbed. ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/special-relationships-keeping-pistol-shrimps-and-gobies?utm_source=openai))

Specifications:

• Care level: Moderate (requires stable saltwater conditions and appropriate burrowing setup). ([reeftrak.com](https://reeftrak.com/livestock/inverts/pistol-shrimp/?utm_source=openai))
• Scientific group: Alpheus sp. ([bluezooaquatics.com](https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDetail.asp?cid=84&did=2&pid=1221&utm_source=openai))
• Water temperature: 72–83°F (22–28°C). ([saltcorner.com](https://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=2606&utm_source=openai))
• pH: About 8.0–8.4. ([saltcorner.com](https://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=2606&utm_source=openai))
• Salinity (specific gravity): About 1.023–1.026. ([reeftrak.com](https://reeftrak.com/livestock/inverts/pistol-shrimp/?utm_source=openai))
• Diet: Omnivore; offer small meaty foods (e.g., shrimp/fish flesh or similar small protein foods). ([saltcorner.com](https://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=2606&utm_source=openai))
• Adult size (typical): Under about 2 inches. ([reefcleaners.org](https://www.reefcleaners.org/pistol-shrimp?Itemid=336&utm_source=openai))
• Tank placement / habitat: Provide sand/muddy substrate suitable for burrowing (a burrow-ready sand depth is recommended in hobby guidance). ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/special-relationships-keeping-pistol-shrimps-and-gobies?utm_source=openai))