Can pistol shrimp snap your finger???

vlangel · Mar 28, 2014

Hey all, I have a pistol shrimp that is paired with a curly que anemone. Originally they denned in a roomier area of my tank but recently they relocated. Now they are in a spot that is much closer to the glass. It just so happens to be the front glass, (which is great for viewing) but I am wondering if my fingers are at risk when I am cleaning that glass?

iretthepirate · Mar 28, 2014

It might hurt depending on the size especially but its not going to break open your skin. Now if it was a mantis shrimp I'd tell you to keep your fingers away for sure

vlangel · Mar 28, 2014

No, its not a mantis shrimp, just a small pistol shrimp.☺

Swine · Mar 28, 2014

[video=youtube;XC6I8iPiHT8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC6I8iPiHT8[/video]

vlangel · Mar 28, 2014

Thanks swine. Yes, I've seen that video! It not only makes me protective of my digits but I was horrified because I have a darling cleaner shrimp named Jacque!

Swine · Mar 28, 2014

Now I don't know how comparable your pistol shrimp is to that one but that video is sweet!

Tahoe61 · Mar 28, 2014

Worked in a tank hundreds of times, dug a couple pistols up and I have never been snapped.

joekool · Mar 28, 2014

I had a cleaner shrimp on the other side of the tank. My pistol never bothered it. Now my peppermint shrimp disappeared and I'm sure it was the pistol. They won't hurt you.