Are candy cane pistol shrimp hermaphrodites?

[mochaclownlover]

So I just picked up a second candy cane pistol shrimp and was going to add it with my existing much smaller candy cane. I know other shrimp species are hermaphrodites but wasn't sure if the same applied for pistol shrimp? I have a pico tank I can add him to in they won't be compatible.

 

[N.Sreefer]

So I just picked up a second candy cane pistol shrimp and was going to add it with my existing much smaller candy cane. I know other shrimp species are hermaphrodites but wasn't sure if the same applied for pistol shrimp? I have a pico tank I can add him to in they won't be compatible.

Pistol shrimp need a mate to reproduce and have set sexes. The female is most receptive right after a molt and if you can get them to pair they are monogamous. But it's a dangerous game trying to pair them up if it goes wrong you could easily lose one or even both if the fight is bad enough.

 

[mochaclownlover]

Well good thing I put him in the pico! Thank you for the info!
I did read on another website that the best chance at figuring out the gender is that females typically have a broader abdomen and broader pleopods, but if i can get a good look at the little one in the tank I MAY try it. But it's better to have two alive than two dead.