Description

Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) – Description & Care Guide

🦐 Common Names:

• Coral Banded Shrimp

• Banded Cleaner Shrimp

• Boxer Shrimp

• Barber Pole Shrimp

🧬 Scientific Classification:

• Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus

• Family: Stenopodidae

• Origin: Widespread in tropical and subtropical oceans—Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Caribbean

🐚 Description:

• Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in body length; legs and antennae add more span

• Coloration: Bright red and white banded legs and claws, with long, white antennae and a semi-transparent body

• Body Features: Large front pincers, long white antennae, and spiny, hairy appendages

• Behavior: Territorial and semi-aggressive, especially toward other shrimp

🏝️ Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters)

• Tank Type: Reef or fish-only

• Hiding Spots: Provide rockwork, caves, and crevices

• Lighting Needs: No special requirements (no photosynthetic needs)

• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes – will not harm corals, but may harass small inverts or very small fish

🧪 Water Parameters:

🍽️ Diet:

• Feeding Type: Omnivore and scavenger

• Diet Includes:

  • Meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood

  • Sinking pellets or wafers

  • Will scavenge leftovers from fish feedings

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per week if not scavenging enough naturally

⚠️ Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial

• May Attack:

  • Other shrimp, especially of the same species

  • Smaller ornamental crustaceans (sexy shrimp, small crabs)

  • Very small or weak fish if hungry

• Best Kept:

  • Alone or as a mated pair in a larger tank

  • Not recommended with other ornamental shrimp unless tank is large and well-scaped

🧠 Special Notes:

• Molting: Like all shrimp, they molt as they grow — provide iodine supplements if needed

• Cleaning Behavior: Known to occasionally clean fish (especially in the wild), but not as actively as cleaner shrimp species (Lysmata amboinensis)

• Nocturnal/Crepuscular: Often more active at night or during low light

🔒 Caution Tips:

• Use a tight lid: They may climb or jump during tank maintenance

• Do not mix with other Coral Banded Shrimp unless you have a proven pair