Photo of the Week: Curly-Que Pistol Shrimp

[Nutramar Foods]

The Curly-Que Pistol Shrimp is one of the coolest creatures in the ocean! This tiny shrimp has a unique weapon that allows it to stun prey and defend itself: a specialized claw that snaps shut with a loud popping sound. The snap is so powerful that it creates a shockwave and a cavitation bubble. The bubble collapses with a second loud pop, which stuns or kills the prey. They will scavenge the substrate for food, but for continued health we supplement with

Complete Pellets. Click to learn more

 

[Fritz05]

I bought a Curly Cue from LiveAquaria, which is pretty much black instead of red. It also killed a Yasha White Ray Goby, so I put it into a separate tank by itself. Its "shots" are very loud indeed. I think my Candy Cane and Tiger Pistol shrimps (paired with a yellow watchhman goby) are a lot cooler (and they do not kill fish).