Pistol Shrimp
ExploreInvertebrate
Pistol Shrimp
Synalpheus lockingtoni
The Pistol Shrimp is a tiny but mighty creature that lives in the ocean. It has a special claw that can make a loud popping sound underwater!
Habitat: Marine
Appearance
The Pistol Shrimp has a sturdy body, often translucent to various shades of brown, green, or red, with prominent antennae. It is easily recognized by its extremely oversized, asymmetrical snapping claw, which can be larger than its head and is distinctively different from its other, smaller pincer.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassMalacostracaOrderDecapodaFamilyAlpheidaeGenusSynalpheus
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Some pistol shrimp species live in huge, organized colonies with a queen, just like ants!
The bubble collapse is so powerful it can even chip glass or cause damage to small boats!
Their 'snap' is one of the loudest sounds in the ocean, louder than a jet engine!
Wow! Their snapping claw can create light and heat, reaching temperatures close to the sun's surface!
Special abilities
Ability
Sonic Snap
Pistol Shrimp can create a super-fast water jet and cavitation bubble with its large claw because this helps them stun or kill prey.
Ability
Expert Excavator
Pistol Shrimp can dig and maintain complex burrows because this provides them with a safe home and refuge from predators.
Ability
Bubble Buzz
Pistol Shrimp has a unique clicking sound, created by their snapping claw, that helps them communicate with other shrimp.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 20-50 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-730 days
- Leg Count
- 10
- Colony Size
- 100-2000
Diet & Feeding
They are tiny hunters, using their powerful claw to stun small prey in their underwater homes.
Primary Foods
- small fish
- small crustaceans
- worms
- detritus
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Yellow Tube Sponge
Aplysina fistularis
Shelters within sponges for protection and food.
eaten by
Bluehead Wrasse
Thalassoma bifasciatum
Wrasses often hunt them by digging into the substrate.
hunts
Copepod
Paracalanus parvus
Stuns and eats small copepods and other plankton.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
AlpheidaeSnapping Shrimp
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you ever see a Pistol Shrimp, admire it from a safe distance to avoid startling it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Pistol Shrimp?
20-50 mm
How long does Pistol Shrimp live?
365-730 days
What does Pistol Shrimp eat?
They are tiny hunters, using their powerful claw to stun small prey in their underwater homes.
Where is Pistol Shrimp usually found?
Marine
How does Pistol Shrimp hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Pistol Shrimp have?
10
How large are Pistol Shrimp colonies?
100-2000
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
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