Coral Banded Shrimp care guide

Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) — minimum tank 100 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.

Overview

Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) is a marine boxer (coral-banded) shrimp of the family Stenopodidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Distinctive long-clawed shrimp with red-and-white banded body. Aggressive toward conspecifics — keep solo or as a bonded pair. Will pluck parasites from fish.

Taxonomy

Family: Stenopodidae
Genus: Stenopus
Scientific name: Stenopus hispidus
Common synonyms: Banded Coral Shrimp, Boxer Shrimp

Habitat

Stenopus boxer (coral-banded) shrimp are reef-dwelling stenopodideans of tropical seas, recognised by their long white antennae and banded claws. They occupy caves and overhangs, often as bonded pairs, and pick parasites from passing fish. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Worldwide tropical seas.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26.4 US gal)
Adult size: 6-8 cm
Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
KH: 8-12 °dKH
Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
Lifespan: 2-5 years

Diet

The species is an omnivore. In the wild it scavenges and cleans parasites and dead tissue from fish; in aquaria it accepts meaty frozen foods, pellets and flake, supplemented by detritus it gathers from the rockwork.

Compatibility

The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as semi-aggressive. Suitable tank mates include Larger reef fish, Bonded pair. It should be kept away from Other Stenopus, Other Coral Banded Shrimp, Small fish at night. It is territorial toward its own kind and is best kept singly or as an established bonded pair.

Breeding

Breeding requires a planktonic larval stage, generally in brackish or marine water, which makes captive reproduction very difficult and rarely achieved in home aquaria.