{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "pistol-shrimp",
  "name": "Pistol Shrimp",
  "scientificName": "Alpheus digitalis",
  "category": "Invertebrate",
  "summary": "The pistol shrimp (Alpheus digitalis) snaps its claw to create a cavitation bubble that stuns prey and communicates with mates. Adults reach 5 cm and are Least Concern.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Arthropoda",
    "class": "Malacostraca",
    "order": "Decapoda",
    "family": "Alpheidae",
    "genus": "Alpheus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 0.005,
    "lengthM": 0.05,
    "topSpeedKmh": 2,
    "lifespanYears": 2
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Alpheus digitalis"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Reef burrows and sand flats"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "2–3 years"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "0.003–0.01 kg"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "up to 2 km/h"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Indo-Pacific reefs and burrows.",
    "continents": [
      "Asia",
      "Oceania"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/pistol-shrimp/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/pistol-shrimp/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}