Finally found my little snapping friend
 

So I have heard this little guy in my tank for the last 6 months but have never seen him, I was sure it was a mantis shrimp but obviously not, appears to be a pistol, anyone know what kind he is? I found what rock he was in and took the hammer and chisel to it tonight to find the bugger as it was driving me crazy trying to figure out what it was. I'm not really sure what to do with him yet, but is actually quite pretty. Any suggestions? Pics aren't that great, but good enough to see him anyway. He/she is only about 1/4 of an inch, I can't believe it's this small and made such a loud noise, pretty amazing actually.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...1803/002-3.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...1803/001-2.jpg

Well what ever it is thats one big 6 shooter he has.

You're lucky! Not sure on the kind but defiantly a pistol. I got a little snapper two but I'm pretty sure it's a mantis, sounds identical to ones I've seen on other tanks and stores and I keep finding busted crap shells and remains not to mention all small fish and shrimp always disappear soon after being introduced to the tank. Once I found a graveyard high in the rocks with lots of broken rocks and shells. Never seen the little bugger but he's been snapping for a long long time.

Congrats on your find.

Very cool shrimp!!!! I just sold mine with it's goby and it snapped all the time...noisy little fellows. My Mom has one in her tank that is tiny...but snaps all the time too. They're very cool, but noisy!

Can anyone suggest a good goby to pair up with him maybe? or is he to small yet (only 1/4 inch)

This would be my suggestion. Great addition.



http://www.marinedepotlive.com/ps_Vi...~LFGBHROS.html

Nice job, thats awesome! Funny something so little can make so much racket.

Ive heard that getting a pistol and goby to pair isn't as simple as throwing the two in the same tank and praying. I seem to recall that they are species specific.

Unless he is...like 5" long...he's likely very harmless. The worst he could do would be to take out a hermit crab or something. You're lucky you didn't do him in while trying to get to him.

My experience is that a very small pistol can make a very large noise.

Too bad you are in Calgary, he would be welcome in my tank.

Very cool. I have had a clicking in my tank since it was 2 months old. I think it is also a pistol. I have not seen a burrow so I suspect it is in the rock as well.

If it is living in the rock will it pair with a goby and create a burrow in the substrate?