Zanzibar Boxer Shrimp care guide
Zanzibar Boxer Shrimp (Stenopus zanzibaricus) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
Zanzibar Boxer Shrimp (Stenopus zanzibaricus) is a marine boxer (coral-banded) shrimp of the family Stenopodidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. African Stenopus with golden-yellow body and red-banded claws. Smaller than hispidus but similarly territorial.
Taxonomy
- Family: Stenopodidae
- Genus: Stenopus
- Scientific name: Stenopus zanzibaricus
- Common synonyms: Zanzibar Coral Banded
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 Western Indian Ocean, East Africa.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 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: 2-4 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. It should be kept away from Other Stenopus. 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.