Pistol shrimp

[Oaks]

I really like the pistol shrimp I definitely want to get one.

Question is I know gobys can pair with these as a good companion but do I have to have a goby with the shrimp?

Can I just simply have the shrimp on it’s own without a goby?

 

[Maggie321]

Yes, you can have the shrimp without the goby and the goby without the shrimp, but you'll see it more if it has a buddy.

 

[don_chuwish]

Yes, you can have the shrimp without the goby and the goby without the shrimp, but you'll see it more if it has a buddy.

^ This.
I currently have a loner Candy Stripe Pistol shrimp - hardly ever comes out of the burrow. When he had a goby buddy they were constantly at work together improving their home. Fun to watch.

 

[Susan Edwards]

I got a tiny pistol shrimp to go with a tiny watchman goby. Not sure if the 2 ever paired up. Goby went one way, shrimp the other. Goby disappeared. Never saw the shrimp. AT all. Did see signs of molting though. When I tore my tank apart due to MV, I found the shrimp. Put him in a basket. He jumped back in. This was in June. Never saw him again. Saw molts. Saw a place I suspected it might have a burrow. Got a barber shop goby in October I think. After QT put him in, made sure to release him where I thought the goby had a burrow. Presto! Paired up. Now I actually see the shrimp most days. Not sure if I'll get another pair for my new 125 build. They might get lost in so much room... Unless I get a larger goby. They are a lot of fun to watch!