Genus

Common name: Snapping Shrimp

Scientific name: Alpheus

Alpheus, commonly known as snapping shrimp or pistol shrimp, are a fascinating genus of marine crustaceans known for their asymmetrical claws. One claw is significantly larger and can produce a loud snapping sound used for communication and hunting. These shrimps form symbiotic relationships with various marine species, including gobies, providing protection in exchange for food. They are active and entertaining additions to a reef aquarium, but their snapping can be loud. They require a tank with plenty of live rock to create burrows and a stable environment to thrive.

  1. Red snapping shrimp (Alpheus armatus) hiding in a corkscrew anemone in the Caribbean, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
    Common name: brown snapping shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus armatus
  2. Common name: Beautiful goby shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus bellulus
  3. Red snapping shrimp (Alpheus armatus) hiding in a corkscrew anemone in the Caribbean, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
    Common name: red snapping shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus bisincisus
  4. Gold-streaked prawn-goby and  Djeddah snapping shrimp
    Common name: Djeddah snapping shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus djeddensis
  5. Common name: Immaculate Pistol Shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus immaculatus
  6. Common name: fine-striped snapping shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus ochrostriatus
  7. Common name: Pacific Pistol Shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus pacificus
  8. Flagtail Shrimpgoby (Amblyeleotris yanoi) live together with Randall's snapping shrimp (Alpheus randalli). Underwater symbiosis. Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia.
    Common name: Randall's Pistol Shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus randalli
  9. Common name: Red-spotted Pistol Shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus rubromaculatus
  10. Common name: Twin Snapping Shrimp
    Scientific name: Alpheus soror