Invertebrates - My new? pistol shrimp!

Print Page | Close Window

My new? pistol shrimp!

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Invertebrates
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions about invertebrates.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=32740
Printed Date: February 19 2025 at 12:50pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: My new? pistol shrimp!

Posted By: fishoutawater
Subject: My new? pistol shrimp!
Date Posted: April 19 2009 at 9:09am

I'm stoked. I bought one of my tanks from a friend about 6 months ago. He had it for about 4 years. For the last several weeks, I have been hearing a clicking sound in the tank. For a long time I thought it must be an equipment noise. Then I noticed some tunnels in the back corner around a rock. So last night I dropped in a piece of raw shrimp next to the rock and waited with my trusty red lensed flashlight. After about an hour and a cramp in my neck I was rewarded with a blur of brown and some clicks, and then a tug of war with some weird worm. My problem is that about 2months ago I bought a yellow watchman goby planning to get a pistol down the road to pair him with. Mr. Goby has taken up residence as far away from the pistol's dorm as possible and NEVER wanders more than a few inches away from his rock. Is there any thing I can do to encourage them to "hook up"?

Replies:

Posted By: Eve
Date Posted: April 19 2009 at 11:08am

Some species of pistol shrimp are solitary and don't pair up with gobys. Without a positive ID it is hard to say if it will or not.

As for getting Mr. Goby and shrimp together... Maybe try removing him from the display and keep him in the fuge for a while (weekish)? Once he forgets about his established territory then reintroduce him into the same area as the pistol shrimp. One method I remember reading is using something like this: http://www.petco.com/product/7449/Lee-s-Multi-Purpose-3-Way-Breeders.aspx - http://www.petco.com/product/7449/Lee-s-Multi-Purpose-3-Way-Breeders.aspx and weighting it down. Put the goby in it and leave him by the shrimp burrow for a while. When you release the goby hopefully he will pair with the shrimp.