Alpheus bellulus better known as the tiger pistol shrimp is a species of shrimp in the belongs to the Alpheidae family, known commonly as snapping or pistol shrimp. Endemic to the Indian and Pacific oceans these shrimp tend to inhabit tropical shallow waters up to 66ft (20m) in depth. Here they prefer to inhabit sandy, muddy and detrital substrates where they can construct elaborate burrows for shelter and protection. The tiger pistol shrimp is notable for its symbiotic relationship in which it shares its burrow with certain goby species such as Cryptocentrus cinctus, Amblyeleotris guttata, Amblyeleotris japonica, or Stonogobiops yasha. In exchange for shelter the goby brings the shrimp food and acts as a watchman, warning of danger the shrimp cannot see due to poor eyesight. Burrows are reinforced with small pieces of shell and coral along the sides, preventing collapse. Sediment is constantly removed by the shrimp to keep the internal burrow clean of settled deposits. Mated pairs of shrimp often inhabit the same burrow, as do goby pairs. Some burrows of A. bellulus were also found to be shared by a specific species of porcelain crab Enosteoides lobatus, which live alongside both the shrimp and gobies, and work to clean the burrows of detritus. The tiger pistol shrimp is a carnivore, preying primarily on small invertebrates. To hunt the tiger pistol shrimp use their oversized claws to produce powerful bubbles of air. Pressure builds up when the claw opens, and water enters a small chamber in the claw’s bend. The claw quickly clamps down and a small plunger pushes water out with high pressure, releasing a high-speed bubble.This powerful sonic weapon creates a violent shock wave which can kill or knock out prey up to the size of small fish. The sound emitted from the collapsing bubble can be up to 218 decibels, with a temperature of up to 4,800 degrees celsius, slightly cooler than the surface of the Sun. It may also eat detritus and macroalgae, and will scavenge carcasses near its burrow. Reaching around 1.57 to 1.97 inches (4 to 5cms) in length not include the antennae, the tiger pistol shrimp sports a stout and opaque body. The background color is a white to pale yellow, which are adorned with irregular but symmetric patterns which may be brown purple or orange. The legs are banded with the same colors as the body and are covered with short bristles. The antennae are red. Under ideal conditions a tiger pistol shrimp may live upwards of 5 years.
