Need suggestions of Pistol Shrimp friendly corals

[GokesReef]

Hey guys, I'm trying to figure some options for corals to add to the areas highlighted below (forgive the very old FTS, but the rock scape hasn't changed, so it works):

 

 

This area is moderately lit, some of it shaded and received low to medium flow. This has lead me to look into possibilities such as rics, favias and the like. The catch, however, is that my pistol shrimp, occasionally, is known to climb up on the rocks in those areas to do his thing (he is the reason my sand bed will never see coral. Anything that lands on it is quickly made part of his home deco).

 

So, what I need are suggestions for coral who can handle those conditions (moderate light, low flow) but will not sting, kill, eat or otherwise harm the pistol shrimp (and Goby for that matter). Also, it should be something the pistol won't feel inclined to pick at or mess with - he has a thing for trimming SPS and feather dusters - pretty amazing to watch, as frustrating as it is.

 

Any suggestions? Or should I just concede ownership of those areas of the tank to him? Thanks!

[animalmaster6]

Those are perfect places for an acan garden, favia garden, or zoa garden.

[GokesReef]

Thanks, now to see what I can stir up

[plantman1028]

That sounds like mushroom params....low flow, mod light.... i dont think the pistol would mess with them. Adnd mushrooms would look great there too!

[Poodges]

acans all the way

[GokesReef]

Cool, maybe I'll do acans on one side and some shrooms or rics on the other.

 

I'm more concerned with the coral singing the shrimp or goby than getting picked at. I'm not sure how potent some of their stings are, going to have to do a bit more reading, I suppose, but it seems like some could potentially pack a punch on the little guy.

[juvance]

I've got lots of hammer coral right down on the sand, and never had any troubles with it and my pistol/goby pair. The pistol shrimp uses its antennae to feel for upcoming coral, and doesn't mess with anything besides small frags. Those small frags make good tunnel supports

 

The goby stays wary of its surroundings, though I'd be less concerned about it than the pistol. My goby swims more than a foot away from its tunnel during feeding time, and has to navigate through all sorts of coral. Matter of fact, the goby flits in between my hammer's tentacles all the time.

 

 

Not to say you shouldn't be wary. Its just that in my tank, that sort of thing isn't a problem.

[anemone fan]

Corals only have nematocysts (stinging cells) large enough to take down prey and do battle with one another, they shouldn't bother the shrimp or fish, just a mild irritant to make sure they avoid it. Anemones on the other hand are something to be weary of.