Multiple pistol shrimp?

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by JNuckolls, Oct 30, 2011.

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

  1. JNuckolls

    JNuckolls Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2009
    Messages:
    46
    Location:
    Commerce, GA
    Is it possible to keep multiple pistol shrimp in an aquarium? Right now I have a Tiger Pistol Shrimp paired with a Hi-fin Goby in a 90 gallon, and they pretty much keep to one end. Could I add another shrimp to the tank and not have territorial issues?
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. clarkkey594

    clarkkey594 Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2011
    Messages:
    552
    Location:
    Boulder, CO
    It would technically be possible if you could ensure that both pairs stay to their sides of the tank but that can be a pretty difficult task to achieve.
     
  4. peasofme

    peasofme Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2009
    Messages:
    46
  5. ZepQuarium

    ZepQuarium Spaghetti Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2011
    Messages:
    176
    I have thought about this... I have a similiar situation.

    The only way I was going to attempt it was via a 'demilitarized zone ' or 'barrier zone' in which a large amount of space would be between the two pistols.

    And by this I mean no rockwork in the middle of the tank, so that the Pistol has no way to build caves/tunnels over to the other side.

    Being Basically Blind, the Pistol doesn't like to walk above ground, and would not risk moving up and over 7+ inches of sand to get to another cave system (after all, who knew who moved in while the pistol wasn't in there??)...

    He only seems to stay in the cave system he can maintain himself.

    Make his 'cave options' limited, and he will 'police' himself most of the time.

    So if you set the tank up right (with lack of tunnel options for the pistol's - separate compartmentalized zones of building) it is feasable.

    That said, I never tried it, went with a bunch of nano gobies and shrimp and stuff instead. Good Luck!
     
  6. MajesticCoral

    MajesticCoral Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2011
    Messages:
    161
    Location:
    California
    You will need to setup boundaries with live rock for hiding places then I think there will a good chance that no conflict as long as they both are around the same size
     
  7. Alohastate335i

    Alohastate335i Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2011
    Messages:
    158
    Location:
    Under the Sea
    I had 4 Pistols Shirmps in my 90 Gallon tank that I never even knew about. They seemed fine till now.
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. mcroft803

    mcroft803 Plankton

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2010
    Messages:
    8
    Location:
    charleston, sc
    I have 2 pistols paired up with an orange diamond goby and they all get along awesome. Have been together about 2 years
     
  10. JNuckolls

    JNuckolls Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2009
    Messages:
    46
    Location:
    Commerce, GA
    Thank you all so much for the input. That idea is hold for now, as all my money is now going to establishing some new corals. But it will still keep the idea!
     
  11. stepho

    stepho Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2008
    Messages:
    2,118
    Location:
    Orlando FL
    How do you know you didn't start with 12? :)

    posted with tapatalk please ignore bad spelling and grammar