pistol shrimp

May sound silly but why do they pair up?

 

Not a silly question, actually its a great question! The shrimp is almost blind, so he pairs with a goby for protection and warning. The goby enjoys a clean house.....it is a symbiotic relationship. Both parties get something out of it.

 

cool

 

There was a great segment on Discovery Channel on the shrimp/goby pairing - it was a show on unusual relationships or something like that. Really amazing - but even more fun to watch in person!

 

I saw that too....but, I will agree, it is definitely more fun to watch it happening in person. They both have such great personalities.

 

what kind of goby pairs up the best with a pistol

 

Any of the "watchman" gobies. I have an aurora (sometimes called a pink barred), but usually people get the yellow watchman goby. Also, you need to be careful of what type of pistol shrimp you get. Not all of them will pair up with a goby. My personal favorite is the Tiger Pistol Shrimp.

 

We had a pink bar (aurora) goby paired with the shrimp, who jumped out in the pre-canopy days. The shrimp has been paired with a yellow watchman goby for months now. As gobies are known to be jumpers, I'm sure glad we have that canopy!

 

I was so upset when our aurora goby jumped!

Our shrimp is also a tiger pistol shrimp.

 

I know the feeling. My first diamond goby jumped after only having him in my 75 for one week. Luckily the 150 has a canopy and the back is netted. So far, knock on wood, no jumpers.

I love the aurora...he has such a cute face! The pair of them keep us entertained regularly. Their names are Cheech and Chong......

had a young friend come over who didnt know who that was!!! All I could think was when did I get this old???!!!>>>