Alpheus cyanoteles

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Facts
Latin name Alpheus cyanoteles
Local name Pistol shrimp
Family Alpheoidea - Alpheus
Origin East Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, East Pacific, Central/West Pacific
Max length 7 cm (2.8")
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 50 l (13 gal)
Hardiness Average
Suitable for aquarium Suitable with care
Reef safe Reef safe with caution
Aggressiveness Peaceful
Feed
Recommended Fish
Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...)
Other invertebrates
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...)
Beware of
Can be a threat to small fish

This spicies might be a threat to smaller fishes.

Low light conditions

This species thrives best in an aquarium with dimmed lighting.

Can be a threat towards small crustaceans

This species can be a threat towards small crustaceans, e.g. small shrimp.

Keep in mind
Requires a varied diet

This species must be fed with an appropriately varied diet.

Nocturnal

This species is nocturnal and therefore the most active when the light is dimmed or turned off.

Descriptions and further reading
Genus description (Alpheus)

The Snapping-/Pistol shrimp derives its name from the snapping sound their large claw makes, which can paralyze their prey. One will therefore often hear clicking sounds coming from the aquarium. 

Apart from small shrimp, they are not normally a threat to other creatures in the tank.

Their needs and colour do vary, but common to most of them is that they will generally thrive best as a symbiotic pair with one of the following species: Amblyeleotris spp., Cryptocentrus spp. or Stonogobiops spp.
It is important to research beforehand which fish and shrimp go well together, to avoid the risk of the animals not wanting to pair up. 

As a symbiotic pair will make a shared cave in the sand it's important to have a deep enough sandy substrate.

Snapping-/Pistol shrimps can be fed with small pieces of seafood or larger types of frozen food. 

Family description (Alpheoidea)

Shrimps have many different purposes in the tank, some are just pretty while others are shy but useful. Some remove parasites whilst others help fight different pests. 

Read more about the different genera and species for more specific information.

References and further reading

About references

Francesco Ricciardi. 2013. Aquarium Fish: Sharing a small house without conflicts: the pistol shrimp and the shrimpgoby's life - Advanced Aquarist - (English)
Dave Wolfenden. 2012. Special relationships: Keeping pistol shrimps and gobies - Practical Fishkeeping magazine - (English)
Phil Hunt. 2014. Pistol Shrimps and Gobies: Perfect Partners - Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine - (English)
Bob Fenner. Shrimp or Watchman Gobies - Wet Web Media - (English)

Ronald L. Shimek. 2004. Marine Invertebrates (PocketExpert Guide) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. Cleaner Shrimps of the Family Hippolytidae - Wet Web Media - (English)
James W. Fatherree. A Few Common Shrimps for the Marine Aquarium - Wet Web Media - (English)