Scarlet Pistol Shrimp

Scarlet Pistol Shrimp

Scientific Name: Alpheus cedrici

Small Fish Safe: Yes – especially when paired with a symbiotic goby

Invert Safe: With caution – may harass very small or similar pistol shrimp

Coral Safe: Yes

Adult Size: Up to 4 cm

Diet: Carnivore – scavenges meaty food and may assist goby in feeding

Why We Like It:

A vibrant and rare pistol shrimp species, Alpheus cedrici is known for forming tight symbiotic partnerships with gobies like Stonogobiops yasha. It helps dig and maintain a shared burrow, snapping its oversized claw for defence. Best kept with a compatible shrimp goby and a fine sandy substrate to allow natural behaviour. Reef-safe, hardy, and endlessly fascinating to watch.