Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) Care Guide
A striking shrimp with bold red and white banded body and extremely long white antennae. Known for its boxing stance with the third pair of claws held forward.
Overview
Stenopus hispidus is a species in the family Stenopodidae. A striking shrimp with bold red and white banded body and extremely long white antennae. Known for its boxing stance with the third pair of claws held forward. Territorial toward other shrimp and should be kept singly or as a mated pair.
Taxonomy
- Family: Stenopodidae
- Genus: Stenopus
- Scientific name: Stenopus hispidus
- Other names: Boxing Shrimp
- Origin: Worldwide Tropical Oceans
Habitat
Stenopus hispidus, the banded coral shrimp, is found on tropical reefs worldwide. It is a partial cleaner that lives in pairs within caves and crevices and defends a territory with its long banded claws; generally reef-safe though large adults may bother very small ornamental shrimp.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 5-8 cm
- Lifespan: 2-5 years
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Position in tank: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Blue Chromis, Firefish Goby
- Avoid with: Other Banded Coral Shrimp, Triggerfish, Large Wrasses
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.