Ar-1340 PISTOL SHRIMP, Alphaeus heterochaelis

A greenish blue shrimp that lives in burrows under oyster clusters, periodically emitting a loud, resounding “pop” that can be heard some distance away. The noise comes from the snapping of the one oversized, highly modified pincer of the first of two pairs of pincers and is used to attack prey. These noises befuddle submarine sonars. Pistol shrimp are usually found in mated pairs. Size: 3-5 cm.