{"product_id":"purple-clawed-pistol-shrimp-alpheus-sp","title":"Purple Clawed Pistol Shrimp - Alpheus sp.","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePurple Clawed Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Clawed Pistol Shrimp is a fascinating marine invertebrate recognised for its enlarged snapping claw, burrowing behaviour and attractive purple-toned markings. Best known for forming symbiotic relationships with suitable shrimp gobies, it creates and maintains burrows while the goby acts as a lookout for danger. Reef safe with caution and highly interesting to observe, it is best suited to mature marine aquariums with a soft sandy substrate and secure rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Clawed Pistol Shrimp, Purple Pistol Shrimp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlpheus sp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 4–6 cm, depending on species and maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePistol shrimps within the Alpheus genus occur in tropical marine environments where they are commonly associated with sandy and rubble-covered reef areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey naturally construct burrows beneath rocks and reef structure and may form close partnerships with suitable shrimp gobies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCopper: Must be avoided\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful to Territorial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Clawed Pistol Shrimp is generally peaceful towards fish but may become territorial around its burrow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may also show aggression towards other small crustaceans that enter its territory, particularly in smaller aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore \/ Scavenger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Clawed Pistol Shrimp feeds on small meaty foods, detritus and organic material found around the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer a varied diet including frozen mysis, finely chopped prawn, krill and other suitable marine foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt will also scavenge uneaten food from around the substrate and rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 50 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA suitable sandy substrate and secure rockwork are more important than aquarium volume alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Clawed Pistol Shrimp spends much of its time excavating and maintaining a burrow beneath rockwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts enlarged claw produces a characteristic snapping sound that may be heard from outside the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen paired with a compatible shrimp goby, the shrimp maintains the shared burrow while the goby remains near the entrance and warns of approaching danger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe With Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Clawed Pistol Shrimp does not normally damage healthy corals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, its constant digging may move sand, small stones or unsecured coral frags, and very small crustaceans entering its burrow may be at risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is therefore best considered reef safe with caution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a soft sandy substrate with small pieces of rubble to allow natural burrow construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRockwork should be positioned securely on a stable base rather than resting loosely on the sand, as extensive digging can undermine unstable structures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA compatible shrimp goby is not essential but can encourage fascinating natural symbiotic behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid copper-based medications, as copper is highly toxic to marine crustaceans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCareful acclimation is recommended, as shrimp can be sensitive to rapid changes in salinity and water chemistry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid housing with large predatory wrasses, hawkfish, triggerfish or other species likely to prey on small ornamental shrimp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67353574604973,"sku":"AG-105049","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/PurpleClawedPistolShrimp-Alpheussp..jpg?v=1792513130","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/purple-clawed-pistol-shrimp-alpheus-sp","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}