December Bubble Painting

The original painting for the December edition of the Bubble Post. 

This painting is inspired by the Candy Cane Pistol Shrimp & the Yellow Watchman Goby Fish.

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The Candy Cane Pistol Shrimp’s real name is actually Randall’s Pistol Shrimp. 

These shrimp are native to the Indo-Pacific Oceans. They prefer shallow waters and live in burrows, which they spend most of their time creating. They live for 2-4 years and range in length from 1.2 - 2 inches. They are known for their bold red and white banded markings which resemble a candy cane. Another identifying feature is their large claws. One can be almost twice their body length. They use their claws for hunting by creating cavitation, communication, deterring predators, and attracting mates. The bubbles created by cavitation are hotter than lava and move at a high speed, 60 miles per hour and their snapping sound is around 210 DB, louder than a gunshot.

Our shrimp has a symbiotic relationship with the Goby fish. Many types of pistol shrimps pair with the different types of Goby fish. In this case, we have the Yellow Watchman Goby. The shrimp builds an elaborate burrow in the sand and rocks, which they both share. While the shrimp digs and maintains the burrow, the goby acts as the lookout, keeping a vigilant eye out for threats. The Pistol Shrimp have very poor eyesight and rely on the Goby for protection and sometimes food since both animals eat small bits of plankton, algae, or tiny crustaceans. The goby fish will alert the shrimp of any predators and will act like a bodyguard. At night, when the candy cane shrimp and the yellow goby are safely in their burrow, the shrimp will collapse the entrance to their tunnel and seal them in for the night. This symbiotic relationship that the pistol shrimp have with goby fish is what sets them apart in the marine world. Not many sea creatures foster this kind of partnership, so it is very interesting to see how these species interact and live. Even the breeding process for both of our sea critters is intertwined due to their symbiotic relationship. The goby will lay its eggs in the burrow and will even invite its mate to go live with it in the burrow with the shrimp. The pistol shrimp will make tunnels into nearby burrows to find females to mate with, expanding their burrow system.

The shrimp and goby are rarely apart, constantly helping one another stay safe in the wild. It's a perfect example of how animals can form partnerships to improve their chances of survival. I chose these two animals for their unique relationship and of course, the candy cane markings on the shrimp. 

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9 in. x 6 in.

Frame not included. 

Only 1 Available.

Painting shipped through USPS.