Banded Pistol Shrimp

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by bowe0587, Aug 7, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. bowe0587

    bowe0587 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    May 21, 2012
    Messages:
    43
    Location:
    Haddon Hts NJ
    I bought a Yasha/Pistol shrimp duo about a month ago. They both dove into the same spot under my rocks. My little yasha pokes her head out so I know she is alive and in there, but I haven't seen the shrimp since he was dropped in. How do I know if he is still alive in there? I see stories of the pistol shrimps coming out and doing laps around the tank and moving stuff around, but mine is MIA. Anyway to tell other than ripping everything apart? I'm considering getting a second shrimp for my YWG but I'm not sure bc I never see the other one :confused:
     
    bowe0587, Aug 7, 2012
    bowe0587, Aug 7, 2012
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    Messages:
    6,344
    Location:
    Dunnellon, Florida
    I would make absolutely sure the other is not in the tank before adding a second. There is a possibilty of a rumble ensuing.It is not uncommon for pistols to dissapear after all they are nearly blind and rely on the Goby for protection.Once the burrow is made they really don't excavate very often except for maintenance reasons.Also the Goby will actually bring the shrimp food making it unecessary for it to make an appearance.IMO the best tank to keep a pistol shrimp is one were you can actually see through the bottom glass.It is much easier to observe them and make sure everything is O.K..;)You can try a blue flashlight at night to see if you can catch a glimpse of it. My friend swore his was gone.I went over one night with my flashlight,feeding stick,and a piece of krill.Added the krill on the end of the stick near the gobies burrow and sure enough out came the shrimp to snatch the food.;D
     
    Vinnyboombatz, Aug 7, 2012
    Vinnyboombatz, Aug 7, 2012
    #2
  3. bowe0587

    bowe0587 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    May 21, 2012
    Messages:
    43
    Location:
    Haddon Hts NJ
    he never even really made his burrow, they just used an existing burrow :( I'll have to try to bait him I guess, I'm dying to know if he's in there
     
    bowe0587, Aug 7, 2012
    bowe0587, Aug 7, 2012
    #3
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    If he is still alive you should for sure be able to see him at the very entrance of the burrow at some point in time. After a month you should have seen sand storms or his burrowing activity, unless of course you have a very large tank or have not put a lot of effort into watching for his activities.

    Usually a molt is completed in 1 week. Any longer than that I would would have to assume that the shrimp did not make it through acclimation.
     
    Corailline, Aug 7, 2012
    Corailline, Aug 7, 2012
    #4