Hobbies And Interests
Name and Habitat
The pistol shrimp's scientific name is Alpheus heterochaelis. It is a dark green shrimp that lives along the bottom of shallow, tropical sea floors throughout the Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Brazil and the West Indies. It uses its 1/2-inch claw, which is about half the size of its entire body length, to dig a deep, extensive hole into the soft floor that it is constantly improving and using to protect itself from predators. It further protects itself by using its large claw to stun predators with a loud bang of bubbles and flash of light.
Mating Habits
Male Alpheidae can be identified by their pistol claws, which are larger than those possessed by females. Pistol shrimp appear to be monogamous, mating in single pairs throughout their lifespan. The male shrimp guards his female mate fiercely, preventing other males from mating with her. Initially, a male and female pistol shrimp will hold an aggressive face off for about an hour and then will mutually submit to one another for lifelong mating. Once mated, a male and female pistol shrimp will share a shelter together, often along with a Goby fish with which they form a symbiotic relationship since the fish can see but can't dig while the shrimp can dig but can't see.
Embryology
Once a female pistol shrimp lays her eggs, they hatch about 28 days later. Pistol shrimp larvae grow in three stages; the first lasts one to two hours, the second lasts 28 hours and the entire process from laying to hatching takes only four to five days.
Size and Diet
Adult pistol shrimp can reach a length of 3 to 5-1/2 cm. They are generally much smaller than that however, averaging between 6 and 20 mm long. Shrimp tend to cluster in large colonies that reach their peak density in June and July and wane thereafter. Pistol shrimp stun worms, small shrimp, crabs and other crustaceans with their sonic claws and then eat them.