Description

The Red Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus Bisincisus), also called Japanese Snapping Shrimp, Flathead Snapping Shrimp, or Red Snapping Shrimp, is a species of Snapping Shrimp found in the Indo-West Pacific. The Red Pistol Shrimp or Japanese Snapping Shrimp have a unique left pincher. The pincher is modified to produce a loud sound and stream of water whenever it is opened or closed. It uses this skill to warn away predators and capture prey.

The Red Pistol Shrimp or Japanese Snapping Shrimp and its mate will usually live in a burrow of sand or mud, sometimes with one of the Gobies (Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops). The Goby’s superior eyesight gives it advance notice of any predators. While the Red Pistol Shrimp or Japanese Snapping Shrimp are in the burrow, you will usually only see one of them “standing guard”.