Reef Aquarium fact #197 The pistol shrimp can form a bond with several different types of gobies.

[revhtree]

We are going to continue discussing the reef aquarium facts submitted by our members. Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts?

Fact #197

The pistol shrimp can form a bond with several different types of gobies. The shrimp is a great digger, and uses his large claw much like a bulldozer although he is nearly blind. Poor eye sight can be a problem in the wild. To dig holes he must venture out into the open to "dump" each load of sand and gravel, making him vulnerable to large fish and other predators. This is where the goby fish comes in! The goby will sit at the entrance of the cave keeping an eye out for predators, while the shrimp keeps in physical contact using one of his tentacles. When he feels the fish rush back into the burrow, he knows it isn't safe outside.


True or False and what do you have to add to this subject? Please share your photos as well!

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[mfdrookie516]

I never even imagined that they were nearly blind. I can walk 5' in front of my tank, when the goby is up nowhere near the pistol, and he'll jerk right back in under his rock. It is cool to see him dig though. I have the luxury of seeing under my 40 breeder, where my pistol has a more complex cave system than the mexican drug smugglers.

 

[wysiwyg]

this is infact a true statement

 

[VB68]

Here is a pic of ours.

 

[bige]

I wouldn't know what mine does. Haven't seen him in 2 years. But his pops let me know he is still there.