The Randall’s Pistol Shrimp is a fascinating invertebrate prized for its symbiotic partnership with watchman gobies.

With its candy-striped body and oversized snapping claw, it not only brings color and activity to the reef but also helps keep the sandbed stirred and aerated.

Appearance: Distinct red-and-white banded body, with a translucent base color and an outsized snapping claw used for communication and defense.
Adult size: About 5 cm.

Temperament: Peaceful, though very territorial within its burrow. Known for forming tight partnerships with gobies (e.g., Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops species).
Tank requirements: Minimum 60 L with a sandy substrate for burrow-building and stable rockwork to prevent cave collapses. Best housed with a compatible goby for the full “reef symbiosis” experience.

Diet: Opportunistic omnivore. Will scavenge leftover food and accept frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and sinking pellets.

Care level: Easy to moderate. Hardy but requires a mature tank with stable parameters.

Fun fact: The snapping claw fires bubbles that collapse with enough force to stun small prey. It’s basically the reef’s tiniest gunslinger hiding under the sand.