Tiger Snapping Shrimp

The tiger pistol shrimp can grow to a size of up to 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2.0 in), not including antennae. The body is stout and opaque. The background color of the body is yellowish white or plain yellow. The patterns drawn on the cephalothorax, abdomen and tail are irregular but symmetric; their coloration varies from light brown, brownish purple to brownish orange. The legs are banded with the same colors as the body and are covered with short bristles. The antennae are red. The chelipeds are also banded, with the right being bigger and modified into a powerful weapon. By closing at extreme speed, the cheliped expels an air bubble at more than 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) towards the prey. This action is accompanied by a loud bang. Alpheus bellulus uses its oversized claws to produce powerful bubbles of air that stun its prey. 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, which could be another shrimp or a small fish passing close to the tiger pistol shrimp. 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.

The tiger pistol shrimp can be found in the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific area.

The tiger pistol shrimp primarily feeds on small invertebrates, but may also consume detritus, macroalgae and animal carcasses found near its burrow. In symbiotic pairs, gobies have also been observed bringing food to the shrimp. Although tiger pistol shrimp are sometimes blamed for the deaths of fish in aquariums, they are generally considered unlikely to attack fish for food. In captivity, they readily accept a variety of prepared foods commonly given to aquarium shrimp, including flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp and finely chopped seafood.