Headsup re pistol shrimp/goby...

Sk8r · 06/01/2013, 10:57 AM

I posted this in Reef fishes, but on reflection, and after others chimed in with similar incidents, I think it's a good idea to say this for those New to the Hobby as well...

My experience: YWG/tiger pistol combo in a 54 gallon, no overstocking...
Cute as heck for a couple of years. But the tiger grew.
The YWG died mysteriously with a red spot on his side. Thought it was maybe age...didn't 'get' the red spot. But you don't know how old these 'adult-caught' fishes may be.

Then two highfin redstripes disappeared. Burrowers.
Then a yellowheaded pearly jawfish disappeared. Burrows.

Then, one after another, two dartfish died (firefish, and purple.) Den in burrow at night.

On the second one, dim me finally 'got it.' All burrow. All observed bodies have red spot in about the same place.

I removed the tiger pistol and have not had any more mysterious deaths.

I no longer recommend this cute combo for anybody, really. In the ocean, the YWG can move on when Mr. Shrimp gets too big. In our tanks, that's not possible. A pistol is a lot like a mantis, and the punch it packs is super-sonic. And lethal.

EllieSuz · 06/01/2013, 11:04 AM

Food for thought...thanks for sharing.

Zimmer · 06/01/2013, 11:05 AM

Alternately if the pistol is tiny you might lose him in your tank never to be seen again....

which is also very disappointing!!!

mgrmax · 06/01/2013, 03:16 PM

It's funny this thread has come up just as I'm upgrading to a larger tank. I have a pistol and several unexplained deaths in the small tank. Been waffling on moving him to the new tank.

Pretty sure he is heading to the LFS...

Spork3245 · 06/01/2013, 05:01 PM

Huh... I really wanted a pistol/goby combo but this is making me think twice. I didn't realise that pistol shrimp eventually "turn" on their goby-buddy like that

Joe0813 · 06/01/2013, 05:03 PM

Ive never had any deaths from my pistol and its been over a year and a half.... but you never know.

Spork3245 · 06/01/2013, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe0813

Ive never had any deaths from my pistol and its been over a year and a half.... but you never know.

Which species of pistol shrimp do you have? That could be a factor

gone fishin · 06/01/2013, 05:19 PM

It is a tough place on our reefs. Just about everything is angling for an edge to enhance survival.

Sugar Magnolia · 06/01/2013, 06:53 PM

My pistol is about 7 years old. A xanthid killed its goby (yes, I caught it, it killed two other fish) It's been with its pink spot watchman for a year now. Tiger is about 2 1/2". I knew the xanthid was there and knew it could take out fish, and it did.

#skeptical

Joe0813 · 06/02/2013, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spork3245

Which species of pistol shrimp do you have? That could be a factor

sorry for the delay... but its a red banded

tatuaje08 · 06/02/2013, 07:26 PM

I don't believe in persecuting all snapping shrimp based on speculation. I've kelp different species for years without incident.

Spork3245 · 06/04/2013, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe0813

sorry for the delay... but its a red banded

Hmm... The OP had a Tiger Pistol and had an incident, you have a Red Banded without incident. Has anyone had an incident with a Red Banded Pistol hunting/killing fish?
Without any in depth knowledge of the species, I would assume something named "Tiger" would be more aggressive than something named "Red Banded", but that is pure assumption and completely anecdotal - If someone with more knowledge could speak up that would be great!

It could also have to do with the personality of the Pistol Shrimp itself. I know most Arrowhead Crabs are complete a-holes, chasing fish, flipping corals, etc, but a LFS by me has one in their coral display tank and said they got lucky and that he's a "sweet heart" and doesn't even try to attack/pinch at them when their hand is in the tank. *shrug*

EDJFA · 06/04/2013, 09:34 AM

I'm pretty sure the common names we use for our animals have more to do with their coloration or resemblance to other animals than their aggressiveness.

If their common names denoted their aggressive natures, then Damsels, which imply a sweet but distressed young lady, would be called something like Devil's Breath or some such more appropriate name.

Sk8r - thanks for the info. I had a YWG/Pistol shrimp duo without any issues. But the shrimp was smaller than the fish. The shrimp disappeared without a trace one day. I was thinking about replacing him, but may have to give that one some thought.

Reefmedic79 · 06/04/2013, 09:42 AM

I've got a Red Banded with my Red highfin goby. This is my first experience with pistols, and so far things have been good. Had them in the tank for about 6 months now, and the shrimp has doubled in size, now about 1.5 in.

alpineroush · 06/04/2013, 09:45 AM

I have a 4 year old Tiger pistol, a 2 year old red banded. one with ywg and other with barber goby and have had no deaths

Sk8r · 06/04/2013, 10:43 AM

It may also have to do not only with species but gender, tank size, all sorts of variables. The smaller the tank, possibly, the greater the problem: mine was in a 54 g.

When 'night' comes, most small fish species MUST den-up, and this is where, for instance, too many damsels in a tank get into life-and-death conflict: instinct drives them. If the only available hole has a possessive shrimp in charge, there is where the problem may arise. I'm not sure WHAT drives a shrimp to have a fatal conflict with the goby he's lived with for years...but it's also possible that in a tussle with a desperate and intruding outsider-fish, the resident goby could take the hit. At the time the YWG died there were other denning fish in the tank. And they became the next victims.

MrClam · 06/04/2013, 01:19 PM

I had a purple firefish established in a small hole in the rockwork. When I introduced the tiger pistol/ pinkbar goby pair the firefish moved to a new den about 2' down the tank. No deaths yet (only been 6months) but this could suggest tank size being a factor as they are in a lightly stocked 120g 5' tank. Purely anecdotal evidence, but worth adding to the list.

reefermadness3 · 04/24/2014, 12:04 PM

hmm

GoldeneyeRet · 04/24/2014, 03:39 PM

I had the exact same experience many years ago. Randalls and shrimp were cute as heck for a year. Then the shrimp became annoying and destructive for another year until he finally became a killer.

I took me forever to get him trapped and outta there.

I love the interaction they have at first, but next time around its will be a Goby without a shrimp!

FishBo · 04/24/2014, 03:47 PM

I've had a YWG/Tiger Pistol for a little over 3 years in my 40b without any issue's. If I could do it all over again I would have never added the shrimp thou. He steals anything on the sand bed & if he can't lift it he will bury it. That & he clicks all night long & wakes up my dogs.

06/01/2013, 10:57 AM	#1
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Headsup re pistol shrimp/goby... I posted this in Reef fishes, but on reflection, and after others chimed in with similar incidents, I think it's a good idea to say this for those New to the Hobby as well... My experience: YWG/tiger pistol combo in a 54 gallon, no overstocking... Cute as heck for a couple of years. But the tiger grew. The YWG died mysteriously with a red spot on his side. Thought it was maybe age...didn't 'get' the red spot. But you don't know how old these 'adult-caught' fishes may be. Then two highfin redstripes disappeared. Burrowers. Then a yellowheaded pearly jawfish disappeared. Burrows. Then, one after another, two dartfish died (firefish, and purple.) Den in burrow at night. On the second one, dim me finally 'got it.' All burrow. All observed bodies have red spot in about the same place. I removed the tiger pistol and have not had any more mysterious deaths. I no longer recommend this cute combo for anybody, really. In the ocean, the YWG can move on when Mr. Shrimp gets too big. In our tanks, that's not possible. A pistol is a lot like a mantis, and the punch it packs is super-sonic. And lethal. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

06/01/2013, 11:04 AM	#2
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	Food for thought...thanks for sharing. __________________ "You can't learn this hobby one question at a time." (Mr. Tuskfish) Eileen Current Tank Info: I'm out of the hobby, but used to have a60 gal. reef, refugium in sump, Internal Mag 9 return, SC 302 skimmer, two Maxi-Jet 1200's modded, four bulb T5 Lighting, Reefkeeper Lite Controller with three PC4's, Little Fishes GFO reactor.

06/01/2013, 11:05 AM	#3
Zimmer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Chehalis, WA Posts: 263	Alternately if the pistol is tiny you might lose him in your tank never to be seen again.... which is also very disappointing!!! __________________ Newb for life. Current Tank Info: 90g mixed reef w/ two 16" Reefbreeders LED fixtures - wp25 & 1500gph ATB return pump - ATB 840 v2.0 skimmer

06/01/2013, 05:03 PM	#6
Joe0813 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston strong Posts: 2,766	Ive never had any deaths from my pistol and its been over a year and a half.... but you never know. __________________ Joe and Jenny Current Tank Info: 180 reef

06/01/2013, 05:19 PM	#8
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	It is a tough place on our reefs. Just about everything is angling for an edge to enhance survival. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

06/01/2013, 03:16 PM	#4
mgrmax Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 376	It's funny this thread has come up just as I'm upgrading to a larger tank. I have a pistol and several unexplained deaths in the small tank. Been waffling on moving him to the new tank. Pretty sure he is heading to the LFS...

06/01/2013, 05:01 PM	#5
Spork3245 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South Central New Jersey Posts: 1,088	Huh... I really wanted a pistol/goby combo but this is making me think twice. I didn't realise that pistol shrimp eventually "turn" on their goby-buddy like that

06/01/2013, 06:53 PM	#9
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	My pistol is about 7 years old. A xanthid killed its goby (yes, I caught it, it killed two other fish) It's been with its pink spot watchman for a year now. Tiger is about 2 1/2". I knew the xanthid was there and knew it could take out fish, and it did. #skeptical __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

06/02/2013, 07:26 PM	#11
tatuaje08 Registered Member. Join Date: May 2013 Location: tempe, az Posts: 867	I don't believe in persecuting all snapping shrimp based on speculation. I've kelp different species for years without incident.

06/04/2013, 09:34 AM	#13
EDJFA Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 1,025	I'm pretty sure the common names we use for our animals have more to do with their coloration or resemblance to other animals than their aggressiveness. If their common names denoted their aggressive natures, then Damsels, which imply a sweet but distressed young lady, would be called something like Devil's Breath or some such more appropriate name. Sk8r - thanks for the info. I had a YWG/Pistol shrimp duo without any issues. But the shrimp was smaller than the fish. The shrimp disappeared without a trace one day. I was thinking about replacing him, but may have to give that one some thought.

06/04/2013, 09:42 AM	#14
Reefmedic79 Life and Reef Saver Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tavares, Florida Posts: 6,202	I've got a Red Banded with my Red highfin goby. This is my first experience with pistols, and so far things have been good. Had them in the tank for about 6 months now, and the shrimp has doubled in size, now about 1.5 in. __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> How much deeper would the ocean be if it didn't have sponges? P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sid Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder, 20L Sump, 10G Fuge, JBJ A.T.O, 4" Reef Octopus, DIY Stand & Canopy, RapidLED Dimmable 36 Kit on 3 6" MakersLED Heatsink, MP10es

06/04/2013, 09:45 AM	#15
alpineroush Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 62	I have a 4 year old Tiger pistol, a 2 year old red banded. one with ywg and other with barber goby and have had no deaths

06/04/2013, 10:43 AM	#16
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	It may also have to do not only with species but gender, tank size, all sorts of variables. The smaller the tank, possibly, the greater the problem: mine was in a 54 g. When 'night' comes, most small fish species MUST den-up, and this is where, for instance, too many damsels in a tank get into life-and-death conflict: instinct drives them. If the only available hole has a possessive shrimp in charge, there is where the problem may arise. I'm not sure WHAT drives a shrimp to have a fatal conflict with the goby he's lived with for years...but it's also possible that in a tussle with a desperate and intruding outsider-fish, the resident goby could take the hit. At the time the YWG died there were other denning fish in the tank. And they became the next victims. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

06/04/2013, 01:19 PM	#17
MrClam Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 557	I had a purple firefish established in a small hole in the rockwork. When I introduced the tiger pistol/ pinkbar goby pair the firefish moved to a new den about 2' down the tank. No deaths yet (only been 6months) but this could suggest tank size being a factor as they are in a lightly stocked 120g 5' tank. Purely anecdotal evidence, but worth adding to the list.

04/24/2014, 12:04 PM	#18
reefermadness3 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: North Carolina Posts: 100	hmm Last edited by reefermadness3; 04/24/2014 at 12:36 PM.

04/24/2014, 03:39 PM	#19
GoldeneyeRet Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 236	I had the exact same experience many years ago. Randalls and shrimp were cute as heck for a year. Then the shrimp became annoying and destructive for another year until he finally became a killer. I took me forever to get him trapped and outta there. I love the interaction they have at first, but next time around its will be a Goby without a shrimp!

04/24/2014, 03:47 PM	#20
FishBo Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 118	I've had a YWG/Tiger Pistol for a little over 3 years in my 40b without any issue's. If I could do it all over again I would have never added the shrimp thou. He steals anything on the sand bed & if he can't lift it he will bury it. That & he clicks all night long & wakes up my dogs.