Tank critter - Pistol shrimp?

Greybeard · Jan 2, 2022

Moved my torch coral this evening, it was being overrun by a BTA colony. Shortly after placing the torch in its new location, I was surprised to see a set of orange arms coming out of a nearby hole in the rock.

I'd been experiencing a fairly regular snail loss. Too many to be accidental. Add in the occasional 'crack' coming from my tank after dark, I'd say some sort of pistol shrimp... but I don't know.

Color is halloween orange and purple. The limbs you can see are probably just under two inches in length. Sorry for the poor video, all we could get.

Couldn't see much of him, whatever it is. I've certainly never added anything of the sort intentionally... never added 'real' live rock, must have ridden in on a coral frag. Had to have been a tiny thing.

Tanks been up what, over 5 years now. Plenty of time for this thing to grow up.

majesticbigmac · Jan 2, 2022

Hello, I don't believe it is a pistol from the video. From experience, Hermit crabs are avid snail munchers and will jump at any opportunity, for no reason at all, except appetite. Best thing to do is put a little bit of food far enough as to where he must come out of his hiding spot, and then catch him with a net, whether or whether not a hermit, he will be tempted and he will be caught.

Greybeard · Jan 3, 2022

Doesn't look like a hermit to me... doesn't move like one. Light and quick.

Putting food out doesn't work... my fish eat it

majesticbigmac · Jan 3, 2022

I see. some of my hermits have super speed.

Ryde · Jan 3, 2022

Greybeard said:
Moved my torch coral this evening, it was being overrun by a BTA colony. Shortly after placing the torch in its new location, I was surprised to see a set of orange arms coming out of a nearby hole in the rock.

I'd been experiencing a fairly regular snail loss. Too many to be accidental. Add in the occasional 'crack' coming from my tank after dark, I'd say some sort of pistol shrimp... but I don't know.

Color is halloween orange and purple. The limbs you can see are probably just under two inches in length. Sorry for the poor video, all we could get.

Couldn't see much of him, whatever it is. I've certainly never added anything of the sort intentionally... never added 'real' live rock, must have ridden in on a coral frag. Had to have been a tiny thing.

Tanks been up what, over 5 years now. Plenty of time for this thing to grow up.

Hmm... a mystery murder. It does sound like a pistol shrimp, especially the popping or clicking sound. I heard my typing this. but the colors seem to mirror a purple lobster? Best of luck!