Pistol Shrimp: Randalli

Alpheus randalli


(5 Reviews)

Pistol Shrimp: Randalli
The Lottini Pistol Shrimp dazzles with its vivid stripes and unique snapping claw. Easy to keep and fascinating, its "pistol" creates a pop sound in the tank, adding natural soundscapes to your marine setup. They will also pair up with certain goby species to form a Symbiotic relationship.

Pistol Shrimp: Randalli

Alpheus randalli


(5 Reviews)

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Pistol Shrimp: Randalli Care Facts

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Max Size: 2 inches
The Randalli Pistol Shrimp, Alpheus randalli., also known as Snapping Shrimp, or Symbiosis Shrimp are marine invertebrates that have one extra large claw it uses to snap at prey to stun them. They are also known for forming symbiotic relationships with gobies - this can be an incredibly fun and rewarding relationship to watch in a home aquarium. The Gobies warn the Randalli Pistol Shrimp of predators and the Pistol Shrimp will share its food with the Gobies. It is reef safe and comes in many different colors and variations. It is best kept in tanks with ample amounts of rockwork, a sandy substrate, and and will scavenger for food as well as accept frozen aquarium foods. 

Purchased one of these to pair with a watchman goby. Bought them at the same time so I could QT them in the same tank and give them time to find each other. Sadly, neither made the trip. Kudos to Saltwaterfish though! I followed their protocol and sent in photos within the allotted timeframe for live arrival guarantee and a few days later, recieved healthy replacements. I honestly think the weather is responsible for the first shipment not making it. Plus, FedEx delivered in the evening versus the morning, extending the time the poor creatures spent on a hot truck. The second shipment arrived at 9:30am and all 3 specimens were oxygenated and then acclimated and placed in tanks inside of two hours. I am happy to report my little shrimp and goby have found each other and are getting aquatinted! They will have a few weeks in QT together before the go in the main display.


Reviewed by: April M on Aug. 20, 2025

Tiny little shrimp but he was pretty. I bought him for my watchman. I haven't seen either since putting them in the tank. I haven't not seen any bodies so I suppose they are under a rock somewhere


Reviewed by: Rogueknight on Sept. 20, 2017

Very Small, but very healthy. I would not recommend purchasing if you have large fish that pick at their tank mates. I purchased to pair with my Yellow Watchman Goby (about 2 times the size of the shrimp), it took approximately a week for them to find one another but they are inseparable now. Very interesting relationship to watch in your home aquarium.


Reviewed by: Sarah Grace on Nov. 13, 2016

This pistol shrimp arrived in great health and is flourishing in my tank. Would recommend.


Reviewed by: Pamela Ondich on Sept. 19, 2016


Reviewed by: Katie on Oct. 15, 2014

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