Defective pistol shrimp

JONAFIN · Jan 28, 2023

I've had a yellow watchman goby and a tiger pistol for roughly 5 years. They lived great together doing what they do. After reading about their lifespan and not seeing the shrimp near the tunnel holes for about 6 months I figured he had died. I decided to get the goby a new buddy. They paired great. Dropped him through a tube right in front of the tunnel and he went in. Saw him greet the goby and that was that. Soon after he began maintenance.....by closing all the exits. He piled crushed coral over the 4 or 5 entrance/exits for the goby. I thought it was strange but let it play out. After 5 days of the goby not being able to come out and eat I intervened. I got a hose and siphoned some substrate from the old holes. Soon after the goby came out and ate like a pig. Then the shrimp covered the holes. This process has repeated 4 or 5 times. Is my shrimp trying to kill my goby? Should I just see what happens or try to get him out? Anyone ever heard of this?