Video: mystery crustacean in friend's tank

[Anonymous]

http://youtu.be/BuFy2a7SpAA

Anyone have an idea what it is? Mantis shrimp, lobster, whatever? About 3" long, has only been seen for about a week or two, even though no new rock or sand has been added for years. I told her to try to trap it or say goodbye to her fishies.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi you! Pistol shrimp maybe?

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like maybe some sort of pistol shrimp - pretty big though.

 

[Anonymous]

COncur with pistol shrimp with that big claw.

 

[Anonymous]

Cool hitchhiker.

 

[Anonymous]

Aaaaahhhhhhgggggg! my eyeies! bad cruel, topside light! Mean green girl tricks us!

 

[Anonymous]

ROBSTER CRAWS!!!!

 

[Anonymous]

I'd agree with the other guys - Pistol shrimp. If you hear what sounds like glass breaking, you'll know for sure!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, peoples! So her fishies will be safe with this guy in there? Hope so, cuz she loves him!

 

[Anonymous]

I had a bullseye pistol for years...no issues...he loved mysis shrimp!

 

[Anonymous]

They should be fine esp assuming the shrimp has been in the tank for a good while without causing a problem. Ask her is she ever hears any snapping or popping.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, peoples! So her fishies will be safe with this guy in there? Hope so, cuz she loves him!

yes, its quite common for pistol shrimp to pair up with certain goby species and become "roomates" - the Goby will "stand guard" while the shrimp digs out a burrow for the pair to live in.