Banded Coral Shrimp - Stenopus hispidus

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The Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) has large claws with alternating reddish-brown and white bands running the length of their body. S. hispidus is the most common of the group of shrimp known as the "Banded Coral Shrimp" or "Boxing Shrimp".

Banded Coral Shrimp are also sometimes referred to as "Boxing Shrimp". Both males and females have very large front claws that can be close to their entire body length in size. They also have long, whisker-like antennae. These shrimp are best kept singly in the aquarium unless a mated pair can be obtained as two or more shrimp will usually fight to the death. They can also be aggressive towards other crabs and shrimp like cleaner shrimp, arrow crabs and others.

Banded Coral Shrimp will feed on meaty foods. Along with leftovers from other tankmates, they can be fed a variety of frozen and prepared meaty items like shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, scallops, clam and similar items. They will feed on small bristleworms and some may act as "cleaner shrimp" for other tankmates.

Shrimp molt their hard outer skeleton to grow and it is not unusual to find an empty molt in an aquarium with shrimp. Shrimp also can molt under environmental stress such as water changes, rapid changes in conditions or during shipping. Always acclimate shrimp slowly to avoid sudden changes in their environment.

Crustaceans benefit from iodine and mineral supplements to help form a healthy, hard exoskeleton. Regular water changes with high quality salt mixes usually provide enough, but extra supplements may be needed in reef tanks or in tanks with heavy invertebrates loads that use up iodine and other minerals rapidly. If water changes with new, fresh saltwater are not done regularly, the minerals also get depleted and nitrates accumulate and can also be detrimental to crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Visit That Fish Blog for more information from our marine biologists on common "Boxing Shrimp".