Common name: brown snapping shrimp

General information

The Snapping Shrimp, scientifically known as Alpheus armatus, is a fascinating species known for its asymmetrical claws. The larger claw can produce a loud snapping sound that is used for communication and to stun prey. This sound is generated by the rapid closing of the claw, which creates a high-pressure cavitation bubble. The collapse of this bubble emits a powerful shockwave, making the Snapping Shrimp one of the loudest creatures in the sea.

Care

In the aquarium, Snapping Shrimp require a tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of conditions, but stable water quality is essential. They are known to be territorial, so it's important to provide ample space if housing multiple individuals.

Reproduction

Snapping Shrimp are difficult to breed in captivity. In the wild, they form monogamous pairs and share a burrow. The female lays eggs that are carried under her abdomen until they hatch into planktonic larvae.

Symbiosis

Some species of Snapping Shrimp, including Alpheus armatus, engage in a symbiotic relationship with gobies, particularly those in the genus Amblyeleotris or Cryptocentrus. The shrimp maintains a burrow that both the shrimp and the goby inhabit. The goby acts as a lookout for predators while the shrimp works on the burrow. This partnership allows both species to thrive.

Habitat

Alpheus armatus is typically found in tropical and subtropical marine environments, often in coral reefs or seagrass beds where they can dig and maintain their burrows.